Pitcher Luis Severino had yet another bad start, this time against the Houston Astros. Now, it appears the New York Yankees are open to a new plan for their starter.
The New York Yankees, despite being in the news for all the wrong reasons this week, won back-to-back games against the Tampa Bay Rays and Houston Astros. After scratching out a win over their hated rivals from the AL West on Thursday night, they looked to win their third-straight game. Taking the mound on Friday night was Luis Severino, who struggled mightily this season.
Sure enough, Severino had yet another bad start. He put the team in an early 3-0 hole in the first inning after surrendering a homer to Yandy Diaz. In the top of the second inning with the bases loaded, he hit Alex Bregman with a pitch to walk in a run. Then, in the top of the fifth inning, Severino gave up a solo bomb to Yordan Alvarez to put the Yankees in a 5-1 hole. Manager Aaron Boone took Severino out of the game, where he was met with boos from Yankees fans.
So what's next for Severino after this latest rough start?
After the game, Boone was asked by a reporter whether he would consider moving Severino to the bullpen. The manager didn't shut down the idea, saying "Everything's on the table."
Yankees appear open to moving Luis Severino to the bullpen
When approached by the idea by reporters about the idea of moving to the bullpen, Severino said that while as of right now he's a starting pitcher, he was open to moving to the bullpen. Specifically, Severino said, "At the end of the day, I'm for the team and whatever they need me to do."
Additionally, Severino spoke about his struggles and was asked whether it was physical or mental-related. He believes that it's both, and said that every time he would give up a home run in the first inning, Severino would ask himself, "What am I doing?"
Severino has statistically been one of the worst pitchers in the American League this season. As NJ Advance Media's Max Goodman points out, Severino has a 13.85 ERA in the first inning this season, as he's surrendered 20 runs in 13 first innings. Not only that, but opposing teams are batting .435 against Severino in the first inning.
The 29-year-old started off the season on the injured list after straining his lat muscle in spring training, and he would make his season debut until May 17. In 13 starts, Severino holds a 7.74 ERA, a 1.85 WHIP, and a 2-6 win-loss record. Additionally, Severino struck out 54 batters and walked 27 in 61.2 innings.
In Friday's start, Severino allowed five earned runs on five hits, while striking out four batters and walking three in four innings of work.
It will remain to be seen what the Yankees will do with Severino, whether it's a move to the bullpen or entrusting him with another start. After his latest bad start, Severino and Boone didn't say no about a potential move to the bullpen.