Luis Severino went through emotional as well as physical turmoil this season. The 2023 MLB season will go as the worst in the pitcher’s extended career. Until last week, Luis had an ERA over 11 with multiple six-plus run outings. It reached a point wherein the New York Yankees contemplated his ouster from the rotation.
However, fortunately, Luis Severino earned a lifeline against the Washington Nationals. It was a now-or-never situation for the starting pitcher who ended up acing the outing. He pitched six scoreless innings and recorded the best outing of the season. Meanwhile, Severino followed up that outing with yet another dominant start vs. the Tigers and earned praise from the Yankees captain himself.
Aaron Judge Lauds Luis Severino’s Resilience Vs. Tigers
This season, Luis Severino witnessed some of the darkest times of his career. He was trashed brutally in each start prior to the one against the Nationals. His ERA touched 11 at a point as the New York Yankees decided to pull the plug. However, fortunately, injuries to other starters earned Severino a lifeline vs. Nationals, wherein he pitched the best outing of his season. Moreover, the starter followed it up with yet another strong outing vs. the Tigers on Monday. The impending free agent pitched seven scoreless innings while striking out a season-high eight hitters. He looked in control for most part of his outing. Even at times, Luis stumbled with a pitch or two; the defenders backed him from the field.
With that, Luis Severino’s ERA has lowered to 6.64. After the outing, the Yankees captain, Aaron Judge, applauded Severino’s resilience and fighting spirit. “That’s the type of guy he’s always been throughout his career; he’s a bulldog,” Judge said. As per the captain, when the starter is in control of his fastball, he pitches as one of the best pitchers in the game. That’s the guy he likes to watch. Judge further lauded the pitcher’s guts, saying it takes a lot to turn up every single day and keep the spirit to compete intact. Overall, the captain was really happy to see Severino succeed in the past couple of outings and wants him to build upon it in upcoming outings.
Michael King Ready To Be Starter For The Yankees
In an experimental move, the New York Yankees promoted reliever Michael King into a starter’s role a few weeks ago. King, who has been a starter in minor leagues, aced the role well and is all set to open yet again against the Tigers on Tuesday. However, the pitcher has his eyes set on the 2024 season Yanks rotation. He wants to become a starter while being flexible at the same time.
If, at some point, the Yankees are in need of a fifth starter, Michael King should be their first and preferred option. The reliever intends to plant that thought into the club’s front office officials by acing his starts this season. Having said that, King is also open to being a part of the bullpen. His end goal is to provide flexibility to the Yanks’ pitching staff and also not remain rigid into a certain role.