The New York Yankees once again suffered through the injury bug during spring training this year, watching their entire outfield miss time and succumb to rehabilitation programs. However, the outfield wasn’t the only unit that was affected tremendously, the starting pitching was also hit hard with various elements.
James Paxton was forced to have surgery to remove a cyst from his lower back and Luis Severino underwent Tommy John surgery to repair damage in his elbow. The loss of Severino was massive and would have affected the 2020 season significantly if everything went as normal. Since a season still might not even a car, and if it does, it will be significantly shortened, Severino’s absence will be as hurtful.
Nonetheless, Severino has been “progressing well†in his recovery, according to MLB.com is Bryan Hoch.
While he’s still expected to miss the entire 2020 season, he should be able to return early on in 2021. He is scheduled to begin a throwing program this summer after working out intensely for the last few months.
“I’ve been down in Tampa since the day after I had my surgery,†Severino said. “I do arm bike, dumbbell exercises, and I just follow the routine that [trainers] Timmy [Lentych] and Alfonso [Malaguti] plan out for me. I spend an hour and half with them in the trainer’s room before I move into the gym, every day, five days a week. Things have been progressing well. I’ve been making steady progress — lifting, doing exercises. Since three months ago — I think when I first had my surgery — I feel way better. I’m doing everything I need to do right now so that I can start throwing this summer.’’
Who will step in to fill Luis Severino’s role for the New York Yankees?
In the absence of the Yankees’ No. 2 pitcher behind Gerrit Cole, the rotation will be supplemented by J.A. Happ, who has one year remaining on his deal, Jordan Montgomery, who is returning from Tommy John surgery, and a bevy of younger alternatives. Options like Deivi Garcia and Clarke Schmidt could see opportunities in a shortened season was an expanded roster.