Here is the latest news and possible return dates for Yankees players...
April 4, 3:50 p.m.
The Yankees aren't expecting Luis Gil (lat strain) to make his 2025 debut until sometime later this summer, but the reigning AL Rookie of the Year will soon take an important step forward in his recovery.
Before their game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday, manager Aaron Boone revealed that Gil is scheduled to start a throwing program in 7-10 days. The young right-hander was shut down in early March with a high-grade strain, and the initial expectation was to miss three months.
Boone also shared updates, both promising and discouraging, on a few injured relievers. Jake Cousins (forearm strain) is less than a week away from returning to the mound, though his place on the 60-day injured list means that his return isn't imminent. Ian Hamilton (infection), who's been ramping up in Triple-A games, is expected back in the bullpen next week when the Yankees visit the Tigers.
There was more bad news regarding Scott Effross (left hamstring), as he recently experienced a setback that pushes his timeline even further behind schedule.
March 29, 10:35 a.m.
RHP Ian Hamilton (illness), who was placed the 15-day IL to start the season, will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Saturday, the Yankees announced.
Manager Aaron Boone said the team expects Hamilton to return as soon as he's eligible, which would be April 8.
Hamilton, 29, appeared in 35 games (37.2 IP) for the Yanks in 2024, going 0-1 with a 3.82 ERA, 41 strikeouts, 11 holds, and one save. He did miss some time due to a right lat strain, as he had pitched more in 2023 (58.0 IP over 39 games) with a 2.64 ERA and 69 strikeouts.
If Hamilton can return to his 2023 form, the Yankees could have one of the strongest, if not the best, bullpens in the majors along with All-Star closer Devin Williams and RHP Luke Weaver.
Boone also noted Giancarlo Stanton has resumed hitting indoors in the batting cages and "it's been a good couple of weeks" for him following the PRP treatments in his elbows.
March 19, 3:27 p.m.
After dealing with a minor back issue that had him sidelined for much of spring training, Mark Leiter Jr. threw an 18-pitch bullpen session on Wednesday and felt good, telling reporters afterwards, "If the season started tomorrow, I'd be ready."
Though the injury is not considered a big concern, Leiter hasn't pitched in a spring training game since March 6, after he was scratched from appearing in an outing last week -- with skipper Aaron Boone saying the team was taking a cautious approach.
The right-hander has less than a week of Grapefruit League action left before the Yankees' regular season starts on March 27 against the Milwaukee Brewers.
March 15, 7:15 p.m.
Mark Leiter Jr. is the latest Yankees reliever nursing an injury. The veteran right-hander, who hasn't seen any Grapefruit League action since March 6, was scratched from appearing in Thursday's game against the Detroit Tigers due to a back issue.
The good news is the team doesn't consider Leiter's back trouble as serious -- he's actually scheduled to throw live batting practice on Sunday. Following the Yankees' tie with the Rays on ...
