Yankees’ Luis Gil set for rehab start in major step toward comeback

Luis Gil is set to make the biggest step in his comeback from the strained lat that’s sidelined him since spring training when he starts his first rehab game on Sunday for Double-A Somerset. 

“I’ve been looking forward to this moment since the injury happened,’’ Gil said through an interpreter. “You focus on the treatment and getting healthy again and my goal was to get on the field and help the team and contribute.” 

Although the loss of last year’s AL Rookie of the Year stung at the time, the Yankees likely didn’t realize how much they’d need Gil in the second half. 

Gerrit Cole is out for the season after Tommy John surgery, as is Clarke Schmidt, who underwent the same procedure on Friday. 

Luis Gil is set for his first rehab start. AP

Aaron Boone said Saturday there were no issues with Schmidt’s surgery, although he’d yet to talk to the right-hander. 

Saturday’s starter, Max Fried — who left the game with a blister — Carlos Rodón and rookie Will Warren — who’s starting Sunday in the final game before the All-Star break — have carried the bulk of the work for the rotation, which has also seen Marcus Stroman and Ryan Yarbrough spend time on the IL. 

The Yankees won a challenge in the top of the ninth, when Jon Berti was ruled out when he tried to steal third. 

JT Brubaker threw to third as Berti raced from second and Oswald Peraza appeared to tag Berti in time for the second out, but third base umpire Paul Clemons ruled Berti safe. 

Jon Berti is caught stealing during the Yankees’ loss to the Cubs on July 12, 2025. Jason Szenes / New York Post

Although Boone and the Yankees won the challenge, as Berti was ruled out for the second out of the inning, Boone was annoyed he had to challenge the play in the first place. 

Since the ball beat Berti to the bag, Boone thought he should have been called out — unless the umpire had a clear angle that he was safe. 

“I feel like in those scenarios, especially if there’s uncertainty, I think they should [have to] challenge,’’ Boone said. “Their guy takes off and is out by 10 feet. I understand it’s tough.” 

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Cody Bellinger extended his career-best hitting streak to 17 games with a double in the ninth.

t’s his second hitting streak of at least 15 games this season.

No other Yankee has had multiple streaks of that length since Derek Jeter in 2012.

Giancarlo Stanton was drilled by a 96 mph sinker in the left forearm in the bottom of the ninth, but stayed in the game.