Post-Yankees destiny: Severino returns to prime, Angels designate Hicks

Former Yankees pitcher Luis Severino thrilled the New York Mets faithful at Citi Field on Tuesday night. In just his sixth start for the Mets, Severino delivered a masterful performance, earning a roaring standing ovation from the 25,046-strong crowd. His teammates and pitching coach Jeremy Hefner joined the celebration with a well-deserved mound visit, acknowledging Severino’s dominance.

The ovation was a testament to Severino’s brilliance on the mound. He limited the potent Cubs offense to a mere single over eight innings, a testament to his control and effectiveness. The Ex-Yankees pitcher surpassed the 100-pitch mark, showcasing both stamina and precision.

Luis Severino tuvo un desempeño FENOMENAL: 8.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 5 SO 👏 pic.twitter.com/Zy4addpv29
— LasMayores (@LasMayores) April 30, 2024

This dominant outing adds to Severino’s growing reputation as a reliable starter for the Mets. He currently boasts an impressive 2.31 ERA, a mark of remarkable consistency. Severino has strung together three consecutive starts of at least six innings, a feat not easily replicated on the Mets pitching staff. His emergence as a dependable force in the rotation is particularly crucial considering the Mets await the return of Kodai Senga, who remains sidelined for at least another four weeks.

Luis-Severino-new-york-mets-yankees — X-NYM

Severino’s resurgence evokes memories of his peak performance during his Yankees tenure. His ability to dominate hitters and consistently go deep into games brings a welcome return to form, following years marred by Tommy John surgery and other injuries that demanded extensive rehabilitation. The Mets, and their fans, are undoubtedly excited to see Severino continue on this impressive trajectory.

Ex-Yankees OF loses form and gets discarded

The Los Angeles Angels bid farewell to former Yankees outfielder Aaron Hicks on Monday, designating him for assignment after a dismal offensive start to the season. Hicks’ struggling bat, which mustered a paltry .140 average across 18 games, ultimately sealed his fate with the Halos.

The ex-Yankees’ tenure in Anaheim proved brief, as he managed a mere 8 hits in 57 at-bats, with his production dwindling to a single knock over his final 19 trips to the plate. Manager Ron Washington acknowledged the difficult decision, stating they had felt the necessity to initiate some changes. He expressed gratitude toward Hicks, acknowledging his contributions during his tenure, but indicated that it was time to proceed forward.

“We just thought we needed to start making some changes,” he told. “I love Aaron Hicks and I appreciate what he did during the time he was here, but it was time to move on.”

Ex-Yankees pitcher and current Mets' starter Luis Severino responds to a standing ovation after taking a no-hitter to the eight innings against Cubs in Citi Field on April 29, 2024. — X-NYM

The Angels inked Hicks to a one-year pact in late January, but his playing time had dwindled in recent weeks. With promising youngster Jo Adell entrenched as the starting right fielder, Hicks found himself on the bench for four of the team’s previous six contests, a harbinger of his impending departure from the club.

At 34 years old, Aaron Hicks’ well-traveled baseball journey took another turn after his recent dismissal by the Angels. The veteran outfielder split the 2022 campaign between the New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles, joining the latter in May after parting ways with the Bronx Bombers, where he spent nearly a decade.

It was with the Orioles that Hicks seemingly rediscovered his form, breathing new life into his career. Over 65 games with Baltimore, he slashed a respectable .275, emerging as a productive contributor for the surprise AL East champions.

Hicks’ revitalization prompted the Angels to take a flier on him this offseason, inking him to a one-year pact in late January. However, his Anaheim tenure proved fleeting, as a punchless .140 batting average through 18 games hastened his departure from the struggling club.

For the Angels, Hicks’ release compounds their early-season woes. Mired in a five-game skid, they’ve looked utterly hapless at home, mustering a dismal 3-9 record at Angel Stadium thus far.

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