Severino and Betances expected to rehab with Thunder in Game 3
READING, PA. >> The Eastern League Division Series could be getting some more big league flavor.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone told the New York media that both Luis Severino and Dellin Betances are expected to rehab with the Thunder during Game 3 against Reading at Arm & Hammer Park.
Severino and Betances were both originally scheduled to be with Triple-A Scranton on Friday, but the threat of bad weather caused by Hurricane Dorian in Durham where the RailRiders are set to begin their playoff series forced the change.
Severino, 25, hasn’t pitched yet this season due to right rotator cuff inflammation and right lat strain. He threw a 35-pitch rehab inning for Triple-A Scranton last Friday.
Betances, 31, is also yet to pitch this season. His appearance Friday would be his first of the season at any level.
With Severino and Betances tentatively scheduled to throw in Game 3, manager Patrick Osborn could have the option to push Miguel Yajure back a day if need be.
“I don’t know how many innings they would have, so I think what we would do is anticipate using Miguel, but if for some reason we are able to save him that could be a possibility,” Osborn said. “We’ll have to find out more about what Severino and Betances are able to give us.”
Infielder Thairo Estrada is also with the Thunder here in Reading. Osborn said he’s likely to play at some point in the series after he went through batting practice and ran the bases pregame.
“Today was kind of a final test to see how he felt,” Osborn said. “He looked great, looked strong, looks healthy. It will be fun to have him. If we do, it will probably be in a limited role. I can’t imagine him playing a full game right out of the shoot.”
The 23-year-old has been on the IL since Aug. 18 with a right hamstring strain.
One challenge for Osborn when big leaguers come to rehab is pulling one of his regulars out of the starting lineup.
“We welcome the big leaguers whether it’s in the lineup or on the mound, but at the same time we’ve got a group of guys who have been grinding for a whole year who put us in this positions,” Osborn said. “They deserve to play in the game, so you just got to balance it, but the bottom line is those guys take priority. Our guys understand that.”