The New York Yankees have given Luis Severino a throwing program where they are trying to work him up to around 60 pitches. It looks like the Yankees intend to bring him back into his starter role with what they’ve been doing in his workouts and bullpens.
Severino threw a simulated game down in Tampa on Thursday where he faced more live batters. Here you can watch him throwing via a video from his wife that she posted on Instagram.
Luis Severino throwing a simulated game in Tampa, his wife posted it on her IG: pic.twitter.com/CUbNfxiEam
— Yankees Source ™ (@NYYTalks) August 22, 2019
Severino has been throwing off a mound for a couple of weeks now where he’s already faced hitters once before this where he worked up to a total 25 pitches. After throwing a few more simulated games and bullpens, Severino will most likely start a minor league rehab in either Tampa or Scranton. Since he hasn’t pitched in a game all season leading back to last season, he’ll have to complete a full Spring Training before he steps on a major league mound in pinstripes.
Manager Aaron Boone said this following the simulated game, “assuming everything goes well with him bouncing back tomorrow, he’ll be on that five-day rotation now. He’ll throw another side in between, probably have a more extensive sim game next time out in five days. If that goes well, then in five days maybe some game action after that.”
Following his bullpen last week Boone said, “I thought he looked really good. He continues to feel strong. I thought the ball was coming out really well” (New York Post). Severino spoke about his throwing and said, “For me, it means a lot. It’s been a very long, long year. Now by doing this step, I feel I’m ready. I feel I’m going to help my team in a couple of weeks” (MLB.com).
The New York Yankees have indicated that they are willing to have Severino return in either a starter or bullpen role. When asked about this, Severino said only one thing: “I just want to pitch.”