The New York Yankees could a few weeks away from getting back one of their most talented arms. Right-handed pitcher Luis Severino, who is currently rehabbing from Tommy John surgery performed in the spring of 2020, threw a successful simulated game yesterday, and the reports were absolutely glowing.
Greg Joyce of the New York Post reported that Sevy hit 97 miles per hour on the sim game, which is pretty much his average velocity when he is healthy and in form. That is fantastic news for a Yankees team that can use a steady replacement for injured starter Corey Kluber, who is out for at least a couple of months with a shoulder injury.
Severino won’t return tomorrow, however: he will have to complete a rehab assignment first, though. According to Max Goodman of Sports Illustrated, the power righty will pitch with a minor league affiliate on Sunday, per manager Aaron Boone, officially kicking in his rehab assignment.
The Yankees still don’t know to which affiliate Sevy will be assigned
According to what Boone told Goodman, the rehab assignment won’t necessarily be with the Tampa Tarpons: it could be Scranton (Triple-A) or Somerset (Double-A), the skipper said.
Boone said that Sevy was throwing the ball “incredibly well.”
Recovery from Tommy John surgery can be slow, and setbacks could appear on the way. Mets’ pitcher Noah Syndergaard had the procedure around the same time as Severino, and was recently shut down for six weeks after reporting some soreness in his right elbow, putting his season in jeopardy.
At this point, the Yankees know that any setbacks could mean Severino can be lost for the season, so they are treading carefully and will not rush him back. If he manages to complete his rehab in one piece, Severino can be a huge piece for the Bombers’ rotation at some point in the second half, as he can slot right behind ace Gerrit Cole with an eye in the postseason.
He has a lot ground to cover, though.