WORLD IN HIS HAND
Yankees ask Sevy to send them to Series
Luis Severino starts for the Yankees against the Astros’ Justin Verlander in Game 6 of the ALCS tonight in Houston.
HOUSTON — Luis Severino isn’t going to even raise an eyebrow on the mound Friday night in Game 6 of the ALCS against the Astros.
When Severino moved his valuable right arm in a circular motion during Game 2 at Minute Maid Park, Yankees manager Joe Girardi and others were concerned discomfort had invaded his shoulder. So, with the Yankees trailing 1-0 after four innings, Girardi shut Severino down. Since then Severino has been examined by two doctors who didn’t recommend any further tests and he threw an impressive bullpen session Wednesday. “I’m not going to do nothing. I’m just going to throw the ball and do nothing,’’ Severino said on a conference call Thursday afternoon before the Yankees boarded a plane for Game 6.
Having worked a career-high 200 2/3 innings and coming off a Game 4 start in the ALDS against the Indians in which Severino threw 113 pitches, Girardi said he simply was protecting the Yankees’ ace’s future by removing him from the game. Now, with the doctors’ reports, Girardi is looking at the situation differently.
“He’s fine now, let him go. His bullpen was really good [ Wednesday]. I talked to [pitching coach] Larry [Rothschild] and he said his bullpen was really good, which was encouraging. So I’d probably react a little bit different in this situation,’’ Girardi said.
Severino said the 113 pitches against the Indians didn’t impact him in his most recent outing and used the word “great’’ several times.
“I feel strong. My bullpen was great. My changeup was good. My fastball was great. I have to say that I feel great right now,’’ Severino said.
Considering Justin Verlander starts for the Astros in a rematch of Game 2, Severino likely needs to be great in order for the Yankees to close out the ALCS Friday and avoid a Game 7 Saturday night.
Verlander went the distance in Game 2 and fanned 13.
A year ago at this time, Severino was viewed as a failed starter after going 0-8 with an 8.50 ERA in 11 starts. Solid work out of the bullpen had some believing Severino would open the 2017 season in the pen.
However, he pitched well enough in spring training to secure a spot in what was considered a questionable rotation. Severino turned into an All-Star and finished the season with a 14-6 record and 2.98 ERA in 31 starts.
Now, he is pumped to hurl the Yankees into the World Series for the first time since 2009, which was two years before he signed with the organization.
“I’m excited to go over there and try to do my best with the team we have,” Severino said. “We’ve got a great team. I’m real excited to get the ball that day and do my best.”
Without moving his arm for anything but to unleash a fastball that reaches 100 mph on the speed gun.