The first half of the 2023 season has been challenging for Luis Severino, marked by a lat injury and a series of tough outings on the mound. Both the pitcher and the Yankees are hopeful that the second half will bring a fresh start and improved performance.
Luis Severino is scheduled to start against the Angels in Anaheim on Monday night, but his statistics so far this year have been far from impressive. Over nine starts and 42.2 innings, he has recorded a high 7.78 ERA. While he had decent performances in his first two starts and on June 24, his last seven starts have been troublesome, giving up an alarming 53 hits, 33 earned runs, and 10 home runs in just 31.1 innings, leading to a dismal 9.48 ERA during that period.
His most recent game against the Orioles on July 6 was particularly disappointing, surrendering seven earned runs in only 2.2 innings. Severino acknowledged his poor form, admitting that he was not living up to his responsibilities on the field, a sentiment he has expressed after other subpar performances throughout the season.
During the All-Star break, Severino wanted to take some time off baseball to clear his mind, but he still visited Yankee Stadium to work with pitching coach Matt Blake on Wednesday and Thursday.
According to Matt Blake, they focused on refining Severino’s delivery to improve his command and the effectiveness of his secondary pitches. They also worked on the shape of his breaking ball and his deception on the mound. Additionally, they want Severino to be more aggressive with his fastball while avoiding the heart of the plate. These are small adjustments aimed at gradually improving his performance.
Aaron Boone, the Yankees’ manager, remains optimistic about Severino’s potential and insists that he is physically healthy, emphasizing his strong pitching arsenal despite the disappointing results. The Yankees are not considering sending Severino to the minors to work on his issues, and instead, they believe he can find his way back to success through adjustments and focusing on execution.
Despite the tough times, Severino has maintained his confidence and mental composure, which is encouraging for the team and coaching staff. They recognize that he has a track record of success that can serve as a foundation to build upon. However, as an impending free agent, Severino needs to turn things around quickly to attract potential suitors.
Matt Blake is pleased with Severino’s efforts and believes that as long as he remains healthy and continues to work hard, better results should follow. The upcoming game in Anaheim will provide Severino with an opportunity to start the second half of the season on a positive note.
While enduring a prolonged slump is never enjoyable, the team remains optimistic that with the right adjustments and dedication, Severino can regain his form and deliver positive outcomes in the games ahead.
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