Yankees pitcher Luis Gil will be sidelined for at least six weeks due to a high-grade lat strain, according to manager Aaron Boone. In a recent bullpen session, Gil experienced discomfort, prompting an MRI that confirmed the injury.

After his period of inactivity, Gil will require additional time to regain his arm strength, essentially resembling a spring training rehab phase that could delay his return until late May or June. This situation opens a spot in the rotation for Marcus Stroman who has expressed a clear preference not to pitch from the bullpen.

Stroman will be joining Gerrit Cole, Max Fried, Carlos Rodón, and Clarke Schmidt in the Yankees’ starting lineup. Should the team seek to reinforce its pitching options, Kyle Gibson is the top free agent currently available.

Additionally, Gil’s injury isn’t isolated; JT Brubaker dealt with fractured ribs, while Jake Cousins is handling a forearm strain, and Scott Effross is facing hamstring issues. Rookie Will Warren may step up as the sixth starter when necessary.

Gil, 26, impressed last season, earning the title of AL Rookie of the Year with a record of 15-7 and a 3.50 ERA over 151⅔ innings.