THE SEVERINO
With eyes on top prize, Yanks opt for more Luis
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THE YANKEES have flipflopped their starting rotation again, switching back ace Luis Severino from Friday in Toronto to his originally scheduled start today against Minnesota.
“We discussed it . . . It allows for him to start three more times, if needed,” Joe Girardi said before Tuesday’s 5-2 victory over the Twins. “Our goal is still to win the division, and we have clinched nothing at this point.
“We still have a lot of work to do in front of us. So it gives us the ability to start him three more times.”
The original switch of Severino to Friday had lined him up to make only one additional start next week before likely pitching a potential wild-card game on Oct. 3. It also would have had the first-time AllStar avoid starting against the Twins, a possible wild-card opponent.
The switch back will give Girardi the option to pitch Severino again next weekend, if the possibility exists of catching the first-place Red Sox for the division title. “If I had to choose I’d choose (today). I like to pitch with five days (of rest),” Severino said. “Like I always say, if they need me, I will be there and I will be happy to pitch and will do my best.”
“I know the time is short, but things can happen really quick in this game,” Girardi said. “The only thing we’re in control of is what we do.”
DEALIN' WITH DELLIN
Dellin Betances wasn’t available and didn’t pitch Tuesday night after getting pulled in