The New York Yankees faced a major setback on Friday night as pitcher Luis Severino left the game against the Milwaukee Brewers in the fifth inning due to an injury on his left side. The severity of the injury is yet to be determined, but it has undoubtedly raised concerns about Severino’s future with the team.
An Unfortunate Turn of Events
Severino’s injury occurred after allowing a leadoff single and throwing a 92 mph fastball. At that moment, the pitcher experienced an intense and sharp pain in his left side, causing him to drop his glove and double over in agony. Visibly distressed, Severino had to be evaluated by the team’s athletic trainer and manager Aaron Boone before being replaced by Jhony Brito.
Following the game, Severino expressed his anguish, stating, “I feel like somebody shot me. It’s just like a deep, sharp pain.” These words highlight the physical and emotional toll this injury has taken on the 29-year-old pitcher. Severino’s raw emotions exhibited the gravity of the situation and tugged at the hearts of fans and teammates alike.
This injury could potentially mark the end of Severino’s time with the Yankees, as he will be eligible for free agency at the end of this season. With a lackluster performance, holding a 6.65 ERA and a 4-8 record, Severino’s value and future prospects are now in question. The injury not only jeopardizes his season but also casts doubt on the team’s willingness to invest in his long-term capabilities.
A Series of Unfortunate Events
Severino’s career trajectory has been marred by various setbacks and health issues. In 2019, he faced a strained lat muscle that delayed his first start until September. After making a few appearances, Severino underwent Tommy John surgery in early 2020. Although he returned in September 2021, he experienced further setbacks due to shoulder tightness, missing a significant portion of the last season.
Concerns over Form and Physicality
In recent years, Severino has struggled to replicate his exceptional 2018 performance when he achieved a 19-8 record and received consecutive All-Star selections. Since then, his performance has been inconsistent, resulting in a 13-12 record and a 4.47 ERA in 45 starts. The decline in his velocity, with an average fastball speed slightly lower than his season average, raises questions about his form and physicality.
Before speculating on the long-term implications of Severino’s injury, it is crucial to await the results of diagnostic testing. The extent of damage, the estimated recovery time, and potential long-term consequences will dictate the Yankees’ decision-making process regarding Severino’s future with the team.
As the Yankees assess Severino’s injury and consider their options, the pitcher’s future remains uncertain. His current contract, which pays him $15 million in the option year, could potentially be his last with the team. Severino’s injury history and recent decline in performance further complicate the situation, making it difficult to predict what lies ahead for the talented but troubled pitcher.
Luis Severino’s injury has dealt a devastating blow to both his personal career and the New York Yankees as a whole. The repercussions of this setback will be far-reaching, potentially impacting Severino’s future with the team and raising concerns about his ability to regain his previous form. With his injury history and declining performance, Severino’s comeback remains uncertain, and only time will tell if he can overcome these obstacles and reclaim his place as a key player in the Yankees’ pitching rotation.
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