New York Yankees: A special game needed from Luis Severino
The New York Yankees return home for the ALCS with their ace Luis Severino needing a big game.
The injuries racked up early this year for the New York Yankees throwing early-season plans into peril. The most significant damage took place back in March when All-Star starting pitcher Luis Severino was surprisingly scratched pregame before his spring training debut.
Severino reportedly had discomfort in his throwing arm, leading many to speculate a need for Tommy John surgery. The infamous procedure is an automatic death blow to the regular season and more since it typically takes more than a full calendar year to recover. Severino luckily avoided the surgery and rehabbed for about 80% of the regular season making a few starts before the postseason.
Rotator cuff information and a lat strain forced the young pitcher to watch as the team still won over 100 games without him in the rotation. The Yankees turn to him in a pivotal game three after leaving Houston with a split of the two games. Severino is no stranger to the big moment as he has performed well in the past during must-win scenario postseason games. One of the more notable games was last year in a one-game wild-card playoff against the Oakland Athletics at Yankee Stadium.
The Yankees’ right-hander spoke to the media Monday addressing his expectations heading into tonight’s game.
"“This is not the first time I’ve been in the playoffs,’’ Severino said. “I’ve had experience in a couple games. [I’m] just going to go out there and have fun. A lot has happened in the past and I don’t have to worry about that. I need to worry about [Tuesday] and make good pitches and get hitters out.’’"
The Yankees will try and provide more run support similar to their efforts in game one. Severino won’t be expected to go deep into the game because of a pitch limit but his effectiveness will be judged early as the Yankees still have veteran CC Sabathia available in the bullpen.
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Severino is still the ace of this pitching staff, and the postseason stage is a great spot to remind everyone that forgot while he was gone.