New York Yankees' Luis Severino disheartened after reoccurring injury set to keep him sidelined for opening stretch of season
Luis Severino’s latest injury setback puts the New York Yankees in a difficult situation. With Opening Day less than a week away, three of the club’s five projected starters are hurt. The rotation, which many analysts have labeled the best in MLB, has been decimated by injuries.
Aaron Boone confirmed that Severino will be placed on the injured list with a low-level lat strain. The setback comes at a terrible time for a pitching staff that is short on starters.
Severino was recently asked about the nagging injury that will keep him out of action for the next few weeks (at least):
"I thought this was going to be a year with no injuries."
The 29-year-old went on to put a positive spin on the injury, stating that it is better to be out at the beginning of the season than at the end.
Luis Severino: “I thought this was going to be a year with no injuries. Hopefully it’s better to happen now than at the middle or the end of the season. If that means [missing] three or four starts, after that, I can be good for the rest of the season. I’d be blessed.”
"Luis Severino: 'I thought this was going to be a year with no injuries. Hopefully it’s better to happen now than at the middle or the end of the season. If that means [missing] three or four starts, after that, I can be good for the rest of the season. I’d be blessed.'" - Bryan Hoch
It has been a frustrating four-year stretch for the powerful righty. He has been through Tommy John surgery and suffered from shoulder and groin issues.
Between 2019-2021, he pitched in just seven games. He has started just 22 games over the past four seasons. To put that into perspective, Corbin Burnes started 33 games for the Milwaukee Brewers last season.
Luis Severino’s injury will force the New York Yankees to turn to youth
Severino is not the only pitcher on the sidelines. Frankie Montas is set to miss a big portion of the season due to shoulder surgery. Recent acquisition Carlos Rodon is out with a forearm strain.
With Luis Severino projected to start the season on the IL, this is the Yankees current rotation. The only guy who hasn’t had an injury scare before the Bombers even play game 1 is Gerrit Cole. Not great! https://t.co/kFxBjRo3Fn
"With Luis Severino projected to start the season on the IL, this is the Yankees current rotation. The only guy who hasn’t had an injury scare before the Bombers even play game 1 is Gerrit Cole. Not great!" - Jimmy Randazzo
The New York Yankees will be forced to dip into their farm system for replacements. Domingo German, Clarke Schmidt and the inexperienced Jhony Brito are projected to fill in.
The decision to exercise their $15 million option on Severino looks to be a poor decision by the club. When healthy, he is one of the team’s most dangerous pitchers. Unfortunately, it has been nearly half a decade since we have seen a fully fit Severino.