Luis Severino Expresses Willingness to Pitch Out of Bullpen During Yankees' Stretch Run if Needed
By Max Scoli
New York Yankees pitcher Luis Severino was just cleared to begin his throwing program on Sunday and kicked things off to start the week, a big step on the grueling road to recovery.
The two-time MLB All-Star understands that coming all the way back from his ongoing lat issues is going to take time, and he's willing to accept whatever role the Yankees' front office deems fit when he is healthy enough to return to action.
Severino said he’s willing to pitch “wherever” when he’s deemed ready to pitch again this season. If that’s out of the bullpen so be it. The reason it’s a topic is the season clock for him getting stretched out in time could be a factor.
— Erik Boland (@eboland11) July 15, 2019
While there is no indication that the Yanks are planning to pitch him out of the bullpen, Severino is simply making it known that he is adaptable, and will do whatever is best for the team to put them in a position to win baseball games.
While Severino is a starter going forward (duh), if he can only work up to a 75-pitch max this season, it might behoove the Yankees to have him empty the tank in full instead (or perhaps pair him with Chad Green as an opener).
Luis Severino says he wants to be a starter once he returns, but he also has thought about pitching out of the bullpen. He believes being a reliever could get him back on the mound sooner. If the Yankees want him to focus on doing that, then he’s open to being a reliever.
— Coley Harvey (@ColeyHarvey) July 15, 2019
Severino's also coming off a season with pronounced splits, something that can potentially be maximized. During the 2018 season, the Dominican pitcher held a 3.87 ERA with a 1.29 WHIP against left-handed batters, compared to a 3.01 ERA and 1.03 WHIP against righties. That's a big difference.
By coming out of the bullpen, the Yankees could use him situationally, maximizing his potential by bringing him in exclusively against right-handers.
It looks like New York has a lot to think about prior to his return.