New York Yankees: What’s Next For Luis Severino?

The New York Yankees sent Luis Severino to complete his first rehab start Sunday where manager Aaron Boone said he came off the start feeling fine. Severino threw 33 pitches for the triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Railriders, where he went one full inning allowing two runs while fanning two.

Severino allowed a two-run blast to the leadoff batter in his second inning of work that ended his outing. Even though he struggled, he looked good and healthy. Severino worked his fastball up to 96 and was throwing in the mid-90s consistently. Right now it’s not about the production, the Yankees are making sure that he feels fine throwing in a game.

“He said he felt good,” said Aaron Boone. “Normal post [start] soreness. He flashed some good things, but it’s kind of like his first spring training game.” Severino is expected to make another start for the Railriders this Friday. He’ll most likely throw more pitches so he can begin to work up his innings.

The 25-year-old’s struggles in his debut were unsurprising, as he lost command of his pitches. However, the Yankees are being positive about his performance. “We hope this is another really good step for him where the next time out, we get him up to three innings and go from there” said Aaron Boone.

Severino has missed the entire season thus far dealing with lat and rotator cuff injuries. Initially believed to be back by the beginning of the second-half, Severino’s March rotator cuff injury really set him back.

It is expected that Severino will make a September return and join the Yankees in the bullpen. Since time is running out, he won’t be able to work himself up to return to his starter role.