Brian Cashman Explains Why He Isn't Allowing Luis Severino to Pitch in World Baseball Classic

The Yankees aren't taking any chances with Luis Severino's injury history, keeping him out of the World Baseball Classic this spring.

Max Goodman | Feb 5, 2023

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New York Yankees

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman confirmed this weekend that right-hander Luis Severino won't pitch in the World Baseball Classic.

Severino was planning to pitch for the Dominican Republic in the WBC, a tournament that begins next month. Cashman isn't taking any chances, though, recalling Severino's injury history over the last few seasons.

“We support our players going [to the WBC], but when a player like Luis Severino, who has had an injury history the last few years ... that’s not in our best interest given losing him so far over the last few years,” Cashman said in an interview with 670 The Score in Chicago on Saturday morning. “Having him pitch competitive, championship-contending World Baseball Classic innings in March, versus preparation innings in March for your long-haul season, that was a decision I had to make.”

New York picked up Severino's $15 million option for the 2023 season earlier this winter, keeping the oft-injured starter in pinstripes for at least one more season.

“I respect he wanted to play, but I gotta protect the Yankees first," Cashman added. "He’s too important to us. His injury history the last few years, it’s better to get him out of the gate nice and slow.”

Severino, who turns 29 later this month, pitched in only seven regular season games from 2019 to 2021, missing the entire 2020 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. He made 19 starts in 2022, posting a 3.18 ERA over 102 innings. Severino would've pitched more if he didn't land on the 60-day injured list, missing a few months over the summer with a lat strain.

The Yankees will already begin the 2023 season with injury issues in their starting rotation. Frankie Montas is expected to miss the first month of the regular season due to more inflammation in his right shoulder.

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Published Feb 5, 2023

MAX GOODMAN

Max Goodman covers the New York Yankees for Sports Illustrated and FanNation. Goodman has been on the Yankees beat for three seasons. He is also the publisher of Sports Illustrated and FanNation's Jets site, Jets Country. Before starting Inside The Pinstripes, Goodman attended Northwestern University and the Medill School of Journalism. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism and Master’s Degree in Sports Media, graduating in 2019. At school, Goodman was an anchor and reporter with NNN SportsNight and played on the club baseball team. While at Northwestern, Goodman interned with MLB.com as an associate reporter covering the Miami Marlins. He also interned with ESPN, working as an associate reporter on Mike Greenberg's Get Up. Goodman is from New York City. He grew up in Hell's Kitchen. Follow Goodman on Twitter @MaxTGoodman. You can connect with him via email by reaching out at maxgoodmansports@gmail.com.