Luis Gil, the American League's Rookie of the Year last season, will make his first start of the season against the Yankees next Monday.

Standing in front of the lockers in the visiting team's clubhouse at LendingTree Park, Luis Gil beams with joy, as the long wait is about to end. The first Yankees pitcher to win the American League Rookie of the Year award since Dave Righetti in 1981 will take the mound tomorrow against the Marlins.

“Since the moment I got injured, I just wanted to get back on the field,” Gil said through a translator. “Although the rehabilitation was long, we strictly followed the plan to achieve our goal.” His injury began on March 1 during a bullpen session at the Florida spring training facility—he left after throwing just five pitches due to a grade three strain of the right latissimus dorsi, initially diagnosed with a recovery time of more than six weeks.

The rehabilitation process extended beyond expectations. Gil faced hitters starting in late June and participated in four minor league rehab games, the most recent being Wednesday's game for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre against Nashville. He was cleared for a 75-pitch workload, and manager Aaron Boone confirmed, “His rehab has gone smoothly without any obstacles, and tomorrow’s pitch limit is close to the regular starting level.”

Last year, Gil made 29 starts, achieving a record of 15 wins and 7 losses with an ERA of 3.50, including two postseason appearances, one of which was a start in Game 4 of the World Series at Yankee Stadium. Now, his return comes with a revamped rotation: rookie right-hander Cam Schlittler and Will Warren will join veterans Max Fried and Carlos Rodón in the quest for the championship.

“It’s exciting to witness the rise of young talent,” Gil stated. “They are giving their all for the team, and it’s an honor to be part of it.”