The New York Yankees have been waiting on their turn-off starting pitcher Luis Severino for over a year now, after suffering another elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery. Severino missed the entire 2020 season and has only pitched 12 innings since 2018, showcasing an unfortunate series of events that has set his potential back astronomically.
However, Severino is preparing to start a rehab assignment with Low-A Tampa, which will hopefully sparkle returned within the next few months.
According to the Yankees PR:
Today RHP Luis Severino commences a rehab assignment with Low-A Tampa.
Back in 2018, Severino hosted a 3.39 ERA over 191.1 innings pitched. He earned 10.35 strikeouts per nine and allowed a career-low 0.89 home runs per nine innings.
While it will undoubtedly take him a few weeks to regain his form and consistency, the Yankees should have a solid starting rotation once the postseason rolls around, given they are able to reach that point in the season with their inept offense.
Both Corey Kluber and Severino could return around the same time, offering the Yankees much-needed reinforcements down the road. Kluber suffered a shoulder injury that will keep them out for a minimum of four weeks, but after ramping up, he could be two months away from a return.