The New York Yankees are in dire need of starting pitching reinforcements, despite earning two wins in a three-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, who own the best record in baseball.
While Domingo German and Masahiro Tanaka have put their abilities on display throughout the course of the season, the Yanks desperately need their leader and ace back from injury.
Of course, we are talking about Greg Bird…JOKING! Luis Severino is the man of the hour, and he’s inching his way back towards making his season debut. There’s simply no denying how essential Severino is to the Bombers. The 25-year-old righty has been suffering through a sore rotator cuff and a Grade 2 lat strain.
After making an All-Star appearance in 2018, Severino has failed to live up to those same expectations this campaign. However, he will have a chance to turn the tables on his injury-plagued year.
The New York Yankees could use Luis Severino in an interesting way:
The Bombers will likely look to Tanaka, German, and Paxton to be their trusty three in the playoffs, but Severino will play an important role in this scenario.
Similar to what Chad Green has done at times this season, Severino could act as an “opener.” Taking the team 3-4 innings to conserve his arm and not put pressure on the healed injury. He won’t be in top form given his lack of reps and confidence this season.
This strategy, though, would allow the Yankees to maximize Severino while also utilizing his influence and talent in an efficient way. That way, manager Aaron Boone can rely on the starters mid-way through the game rather than burn the bullpen early on and risk fatigue/injury.
It’s an interesting idea that has merit, but Boone could also elect to start Severino in a full-capacity to ensure he gets the most value out of the ace.