The New York Yankees are picking up more pitchers from the waiver wire than they are wins at the moment, and the reality of missing out on a quality option before the trade deadline is starting to become apparent.
The Yankees picked up pitcher Cory Gearrin on Friday afternoon, adding him to the 40-man roster over Domingo Acevedo. Gearrin, 33, has a 3.92 ERA (4.08 FIP) over 41.1 innings this season.
The news the New York Yankees needed:
However, the most interesting story of the day came in the form of injury updates. Yankees’ ace Luis Severino tossed two-innings in a simulated game. Manager Aaron Boone stated that it reportedly went well and is moving forward towards a minor league assignment.
“Assuming everything goes well with him bouncing back [Friday], he will be on that five-day rotation. He will throw another side in between and have a more extensive sim game his next time out, in five days,’’ Boone said of Severino. “Hopefully, if that goes well, probably the next time out would be maybe in some [minor league] game action.’’
The Yanks are in dire need of their top pitcher before the playoffs roll around. Severino struggled last year in the post-season, but the deficiencies of the starting rotation make his influence vitally needed and beneficial.
As for relief option Dellin Betances, he seems to be right behind Severino on the comeback trail. Suffering from a right lat strain, Betances was scheduled to throw a simulated game on Saturday and another on Tuesday, according to Boone.
The Yankees could use their best relief arm other than Adam Ottavino for the playoffs, and even though he hasn’t thrown at all this season, he will be a comforting option given the lack of depth in the bullpen.