The 26-year-old hurler threw just 15 pitches in what was termed a touch-and-feel session by manager Aaron Boone. He still has a long way to go to build back up to live game action, but this is an encouraging first step in that direction for Gil. The Yankees are hopeful that he’ll be able to return at some point around the All-Star break.

Gil resumed a throwing program back in late April and will progress to throwing off a mound for the first time since being shut down back in February with a high-grade lat strain. The 26-year-old figures to rejoin New York’s rotation at some point in late June or early July after getting a handful of minor league rehab starts under his belt.

It’s going to be several weeks of building up arm strength and stamina in bullpen sessions before Gil is ready for a minor league rehab assignment. The 26-year-old reigning AL Rookie of the Year is working his way back from a high-grade lat strain that he suffered back in spring training. He’s not expected to be an option for New York’s rotation again until at least some point in June.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone told reporters Gil’s recovery from a high-grade lat strain is progressing as expected, but he won’t be medically cleared until later next week. It’s not a significant delay as Gil won’t be back until late May or early June, even in a best-case scenario. It’s looking more like some point in June following this latest update.