Inside The Pinstripes

Luis Severino Needs MRI After Latest 'Concerning' Setback

New York Yankees starting pitcher Luis Severino needs an MRI after feeling shoulder tightness, getting scratched from a Tommy John surgery rehab start

Max Goodman

CHICAGO — Just when it looked like Luis Severino was knocking on the door of his return to the big leagues, the right-hander hit another speed bump in his recovery from Tommy John surgery. 

Severino was set to make what could've been his final rehab start on Friday, suiting up for the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. Rather than taking the mound and flashing his dominant stuff—as he did over four perfect innings last weekend with Double-A Somerset—Severino was scratched.

Stopping his warmups before the game began, Severino reportedly told manager Doug Davis that he "didn't feel right." On Saturday in Chicago, Yankees manager Aaron Boone revealed the starter was experiencing right shoulder tightness.

"Ultimately, they pulled the plug on him making the start. Probably wisely," Boone said. "When he's getting close to being back with us, everything's gone really well and it's enough for him not to make his start, it's obviously concerning."

Severino is now scheduled to get an MRI and see doctors on Monday.

Boone didn't want to speculate, saying the team will know more after his imaging about Severino's timeline, but it's very unlikely that the right-hander will be able to return as scheduled early next week.

"I feel awful for him, because I know how hard he's worked," Boone said. "I certainly feel for him and what he's going through. We'll find out Monday, hopefully it's something minor." 

Severino hasn't pitched in the Majors since the postseason in 2019, missing all of last year recuperating from his right elbow surgery. He was on track to rejoin the starting staff in the Bronx months ago, but suffered a groin injury during a rehab start with High-A Hudson Valley.

New York is poised to welcome starters Gerrit Cole and Jordan Montgomery back to the rotation off the COVID-19 injured list early next week. 

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Max Goodman
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.

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