Yankees RHP Luis Gil back from injury, should start Friday vs. Cubs

The New York Yankees returned right-hander Luis Gil from his rehabilitation assignment Thursday and reinstated him from the 15-day injured list.

Gil was placed on the IL on Aug. 21 with a lower back strain. He is expected to start the opener of a three-game series against the host Chicago Cubs on Friday afternoon.

Gil, 26, is 12-6 with a 3.39 ERA through 24 starts this season. He has struck out 144 batters in 124 innings but also leads the majors with 66 walks.

The addition of Gil comes hours after the Yankees optioned right-hander Scott Effross to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Effross, 30, allowed a total of two runs on three hits in two innings across two relief appearances with the Yankees.