Yankees Get More 'Glowing' Reports on Luis Severino's Tommy John Rehab

New York Yankees starting pitcher Luis Severino gets more glowing reports facing live hitters, working back from Tommy John surgery, per manager Aaron Boone

Max Goodman | May 23, 2021

NEW YORK — Luis Severino isn't quite ready to rejoin the Yankees' rotation, but the excitement to get him back is building.

The right-hander threw his second simulated game since Tommy John surgery this week, Yankees manager Aaron Boone said on Saturday.

Although the skipper hasn't watched video of those live at-bats yet, the reports within the organization on Severino's progress have been "glowing."

"I know it went really well," Boone said. "Velocity, shape of the slider, all those things. He's doing really well. I haven't looked at a schedule to see when he's in a game yet, but I would say we're getting close to that."

Severino underwent elbow surgery last February, missing all of the 2020 season. In March, the right-hander got back on a mound for the first time since the procedure, throwing a bullpen.

As Boone alluded to, Severino is almost ready to embark on his first rehab assignment. Odds are he'll make a few starts in the minor leagues, building up in pitches while facing opposing batters in game situations for the first time.

In the meantime, the Yankees' starting staff has been nothing short of spectacular at the big-league level. Entering play on Sunday, the Yankees' rotation owns the second-lowest ERA (3.38) in the American League this season while riding a 30 scoreless innings streak.

If Severino can return to form later on this summer when he's ready to return to the big-league club, his presence would vault this staff to another level. Plus, having an additional starter to help bridge the gap to the postseason can help preserve New York's arms, a group that's poised to help this team make a deep playoff run.

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Published May 23, 2021

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.