Sevy eyes return after
Luis Severino was throwing 96 miles per hour and came off the field chomping at the bit to get back in a game. The Yankees right-hander continued his rehab before the Yankees’ series opener against Cleveland on Friday at the Stadium by facing live hitters in two “ups,” or simulated innings.
“I feel game ready,” Severino said, but after two significant setbacks in his return from March 2020 Tommy John surgery, he knows better. “The most important thing, we’ll be talking with the trainers and see how I respond to that. Then I will ask the trainer (what is next).”
It’s been a long road back, and the Yankees aren’t going to rush
Severino, but after Friday’s pregame display, Aaron Boone said there is a chance that Severino pitches for them this year.
“Obviously, we’re not going to get him built up to a starter or anything like that, but we’ll see what the next step is if we get him in a game in a couple days,” the Yankees manager said, referring to a minor league rehab game. “Yeah, I could envision him being with us pretty soon if everything goes well.”
So much of this Yankees 2021 season has hinged and will depend on the Bombers finding a way to refortify their bullpen. Over the last 15 days, Yankees relievers have pitched a major league-leading 127.1 innings and given up 27 homers, second only to the Orioles bullpen.
Severino, if healthy and sharp after having not faced a big league hitter in a game since the 2019 playoffs, would be a huge boost to the Bombers’ gassed bullpen.
Friday was an encouraging sign. “It was really good. I thought the intensity was good, the stuff