NEW YORK YANKEES – With the looming starting pitching issues that have been apparent all season, the Yankees should consider utilizing Luis Severino in his primary role as a starter for the postseason.
Granted Severino hasn’t pitched against the most dominating lineups in his first two starts of the year, but he’s still getting the job done. In both starts, he’s looked like the same pitcher from the beginning of last season. Another thing to note is that Severino’s arm is fresh and new, there’s no fatigue since he had just begun his season.
In two outings, Severino has allowed no runs on five hits through nine full frames. He’s fanned 13 respectively while only walking two.
There could be an argument that Severino should be coming out of the bullpen if he had struggled recently, but he hasn’t. His velocity is at the normal range and his off-speed pitches have been devasting.
The decision will ultimately be decided based on his last start of the regular season. If he’s able to continue this way, manager Aaron Boone will most likely have Severino starting games.
It’s believed that Masahiro Tanaka will be in the rotation, who is credited to an 11-8 record and a 4.47 ERA. Tanaka is known for his consistent dominance in the postseason where he holds a 1.50 ERA. James Paxton who has won his last 10 starts is being considered as the game one starter, is credited to a 15-6 record and a 3.73 ERA.
With Masahiro Tanaka and James Paxton believed to already to be locked in the postseason rotation, adding Severino would be monumental for the New York Yankees.
CC Sabathia and JA Happ who have been starters their whole career will be coming out of the bullpen for October. They are lined up to be relieving starters this week to get them ready for their postseason role.