The New York Yankees lost three games in a row against a weak opponent to end last week, but that doesn’t mean the team is bad or in a particularly compromising position. They remain in third place of the AL East, 4.5 games behind an opponent with which they will battle it out in a series to open this week, the Tampa Bay Rays. They do need to improve certain facets of the game, most notably an offense that has struggled to produce much this week.
The starting rotation, for the most part, has remained steady. Before Monday’s action, the unit had the ninth-best ERA in MLB with 3.45, and the seventh-best FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching) with 3.48.
The Yankees’ rotation depth will be put to test in the next few weeks, as Corey Kluber went down with a shoulder strain last week. Deivi Garcia didn’t have a good start in his first turn replacing the veteran righty, but the Bombers are about to get back a critical piece for their aspirations: Luis Severino.
The Yankees can have a stellar rotation if they get Sevy back
The rehabbing right-hander, who underwent Tommy John surgery in February 2020, is nearing a rehab assignment. He is, according to Max Goodman of Sports Illustrated, scheduled to throw another simulated game today and could potentially start his rehab assignment this week, on Sunday, per manager Aaron Boone.
Severino has been making strides in the last couple of weeks, throwing live batting practice sessions and bullpens. He is already using his whole repertoire and could make for a nice addition for the Yankees’ rotation at some point in June.
“He’s in a really good spot right now. The stuff has been really good his last couple of outings and we’re encouraged by what we’ve been seeing,” Boone said.
If the Yankees can get Severino and Kluber back at some point in the second half, they could be very, very dangerous team come September and the playoffs.