Severino springing into form
TAMPA — After the Yankees informed Luis Severino he’d be starting on Opening Day, the 24-year-old righty called his mother. “It’s something to celebrate,” Severino said on Sunday. “I mean, it’s an honor.” In his second-to-last spring tuneup, Severino went five innings against the Marlins, allowing three runs on seven hits. He walked none and struck out seven. Aaron Boone liked what he saw from Severino, noting his stuff was crisp and he had good command. Severino threw 70 pitches.
Severino will make his final spring start next Saturday — a split-squad road game against the Braves — putting him on regular rest heading into his March 29 outing against the Blue Jays in Toronto. He figures to be in line for 80-85 pitches in his final spring outing.
Severino said he plans to talk to former Opening Day starters Masahiro Tanaka and CC Sabathia about pitching in game No. 1. Severino was too amped up in the AL wildcard game — when he recorded just one out — but says he’s learned from that. “I learned that I had to forget about everything and just think about hitting the glove,” he said.
A-ROD COMING TO TOWN
Alex Rodriguez is expected to arrive at Yankees’ camp on Monday. A-Rod was recently named a special adviser to GM Brian Cashman.
While his reputation has been tarnished by his PED usage and feud with the Bombers, A-Rod does have a strong track record of being able to help and instill knowledge in young players.
Estevan Florial, a 20-year-old five-tool center field prospect, was reassigned to minor-league camp. Florial, who is expected to open the season in either high Class-A or at Double-A Trenton, hit .231 with the Yankees and added three triples.
“He came in here and did really well for himself,” Aaron Boone said. “He’s obviously so talented but he’s also such a great, hardworking and determined kid. Just another step along the progression to him.” ... Jacoby Ellsbury (oblique) had a scheduled slow day on Sunday, but came down with a sore throat and fever and received some antibiotics.
BIRD BLASTS OFF
Greg Bird blasted his first homer of the spring — a two-run bomb to deep right off ex-Bomber Caleb Smith. Bird is hitting just .171, but has looked better at the plate. Boone credited Bird making a minor adjustment with hitting coach Marcus Thames. Gary Sanchez added his fourth homer of the spring — a solo shot.
Brett Gardner went all out leading off the game, sliding into first to beat out an infield single. Boone certainly doesn’t want to see his core players getting injured in a spring game, “but part of me just absolutely loves it because it sets a little bit of a tone."