Cautious optimism for Sevy return
Lately, every step along the rehab program trail has left a smile on Luis Severino’s face and Thursday wasn’t different.
“Today went well, hopefully Sunday goes well,’’ Severino said following a 30-pitch afternoon bullpen session before the Yankees were drilled by the Indians, 19-5, in The Bronx.
Severino showed increased intensity with his pitches and said he threw all his pitches. With manager Aaron Boone watching, the former staff ace was pleased.
“I am glad and happy the velociity is there,’’ said Severino, who hasn’t pitched in a game at any level this season with an inflamed right rotator cuff that developed in spring training and a right lat pproblem that surfaced later.
The next step for Severino is fafacing hitters in a simulatedggame setting Sunday at the Staddium before the Yankees travel to OOakland for a three-game series.
“After that head to Tampa,’’ ssaid Severino, who wants to bbuild up to 60-75 pitches to be ready for big league work. “Right now I feel better than spring training. I let go of a couple to see how my arm feels.’’
General manager Brian Cashman agrees with Severino that at some point he will be an active major league pitcher, but as usual in a situation like Severino is in, there is always a pause.
“What jives is at some point a major leaguer, yes,’’ Cashman said. “I am not going to echo his commentary, but I do know that he is progressing and we are certainly hopeful. We like to get him along with a lot of other high-end players back to join the party. Get as close to full throttle as we can. But [Severino] slowly but surely we will able to deploy him at some point.’’
First, Severino’s health will dictate when or if he gets back. Then there is the landscape of the staff to consider. Will he be built up to start or be used out of the bullpen?
“Like everything else, it will depend on where we are at and what our needs are. Can we buy more time or not as we navigate what is our best interest in the present and the future. We will be in a better position to collaborate with him what our roster is and how close he is,’’ Cashman said.