Luis Severino appeared disheartened and with good reason. During his recent match against the Baltimore Orioles, while playing for the Yankees, the fans booed him. He faced difficulties from the beginning, causing further trouble for the struggling offense by allowing the Orioles to take a 5-0 lead. In just 2.2 innings, Severino conceded ten hits, seven earned runs, and a walk. The Orioles wasted no time putting him to work, leading to a rapid increase in pitch count.
Eventually, manager Aaron Boone had to remove him from the game as he allowed a hit to shortstop Gunnar Henderson of the O’s.
To make matters worse, on the most recent Saturday, the right-handed pitcher for the Yankees struggled to perform well against the Cardinals. He had a tough outing, surrendering nine runs in just four innings, which contributed to the disappointing 11-4 loss in the first game of the doubleheader at Busch Stadium on July 1st.
At a later point during that day, Severino expressed his concerns to reporters in an interview broadcasted by the YES Network, acknowledging that the entire year had been troubling him. The Yankees, however, managed to bounce back and secure a 6-2 victory in Game 2.
While admitting that Severino was not at his best overall, manager Aaron Boone tried to maintain a positive outlook. He regarded the struggles as a normal part of the game and emphasized that even competent pitchers like Severino would face challenges. Boone remained hopeful, highlighting the need for improved consistency, command, and sharpness in Severino’s performances.
Considering his progress in June, it’s particularly disheartening for Severino and the Yankees. Facing a formidable Rangers lineup on June 24th, he pitched six scoreless innings, displaying a positive performance following four consecutive starts where he had struggled and amassed a 9.16 ERA. This season, Severino has conceded 40 runs in 42.2 innings across nine starts. In comparison, he allowed only 37 runs in 102 innings across 19 starts last year. He missed the first 48 games of the season due to a right lat strain he sustained during spring training. Despite his disappointment, Severino initially believed it would be a strong month for him.
The Yankees have committed $15 million to him this season, but he is due to become a free agent in November.
Moreover, it appears that Carlos Rodon, a well-compensated pitcher signed for $162 million, is nearing his Yankees debut, specifically scheduled for Friday, July 7th. The left-hander completed his third rehab start with High-A Hudson Valley, likely the final one, striking out eight, issuing two walks, and allowing only one hit in 3 2/3 innings. Rodon threw 58 pitches and anticipated finally taking the mound at Yankee Stadium. He did not concede any earned runs during his rehab appearances. Rodon’s spring training was cut short after just one start due to a forearm strain, and he also faced a back injury during his recovery.
Carlos Rodon’s probably arrival on Friday brings excitement and anticipation among Yankees fans. As one of the team’s marquee signings, he is expected to impact their performance significantly. With Severino’s struggles, Rodon’s return provides a glimmer of hope for the team and its supporters. His presence strengthens the pitching rotation and creates a competitive atmosphere within the team. While it may be unfortunate for Severino, Rodon’s arrival injects a renewed sense of optimism and raises expectations for a successful season ahead.
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
I should hope so. He pitching to 7.0 ERA and has been really bad over the last month or so. He is either pitching hurt or needs to work out of the bullpen to find his form.