New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone announced on Monday that right-handed pitcher Luis Gil is set to commence a throwing routine on either Wednesday or Thursday. This development marks a crucial milestone in his recuperation from a severe strain in his right lat.

Gil, who was honored as the American League Rookie of the Year, has been on the sidelines since late February after experiencing shoulder discomfort during a bullpen practice. He received a platelet-rich plasma injection on March 6 and was placed on the 60-day injured list. The team is hopeful that he will rejoin the starting rotation by June, provided his rehabilitation proceeds without complications.

This is a much-needed positive update for the Yankees, whose starting pitchers have been heavily impacted by injuries. Star pitcher Gerrit Cole underwent Tommy John surgery in March and will miss the entire season. Marcus Stroman recently went on the 15-day injured list due to inflammation in his left knee. Clarke Schmidt is expected to make his season debut this week after recovering from shoulder fatigue.

Even when fit, Stroman struggled with an 11.57 ERA, and aside from Max Fried, the rest of the rotation hasn’t fared much better. Carlos Rodón is prone to giving up home runs, which poses a significant challenge in the AL East. His ERA stands at 5.48, having allowed 12 walks in 23 innings.

Will Warren finally showed potential as a major league starter in his third appearance, though he currently has a 5.14 ERA. Carlos Carrasco is a shadow of his former self, with an ERA of 7.71. Recently acquired free agent Max Fried is a rare bright spot, boasting a 1.56 ERA over his initial three starts and providing crucial support to the team. Overall, the Yankees’ rotation has the worst combined ERA in the major leagues, standing at 5.40.