Sevi-re Times
Yankees ace pitcher Luis Severino is unlikely to play until mid-July, according to General Manager Brian Cashman when asked his injured hurler last Sunday.
“You won’t see him until after the All-Star break, in our minds” Cashman said on MLB Network Radio’s “The Front Office.” The All-Star game is scheduled for July 9, with their first game of second half of the season set for Friday, July 12 hosting the Toronto Blue Jays.
This is unfortunate for a ball club that has been plagued with injuries throughout the season. Severino signed a four-year, $40 million extension prior to the season opener, but hasn’t started a game yet. Severino was shut down for six weeks on April 9th after he suffered a Grade 2 lat strain while rehabbing from a right rotator cuff injury that put him on the 10-day IL, before the season began. He’s expected to begin throwing again after those six weeks end, but he’ll have to build up his arm strength again from scratch, similar to what pitchers do in Spring Training.
The starting rotation has had its ups and downs but Severino’s replacement, Domingo German, has been the Yankees’ most consistent pitcher this year. He has a 6–1 record this season with a 2.35 ERA and 39 strikeouts in 38 innings pitched. James Paxton is the latest injured starter, being put on the 10-DL with knee inflammation.
The Yankees will be without their ace for a while longer. The team has been over achieving despite injuries with stars coming back gradually as the season progresses. A healthy Luis Severino will be a dangerous weapon heading into the playoff push as the season changes from Summer to Fall.
