New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman revealed on Tuesday that doctors have recommended Tommy John surgery for Luis Severino, and the right-hander has confirmed he will undergo the season-ending procedure.
Severino issued a statement saying he is “extremely disappointed” he will not be able to pitch in 2020 but assuring Yankees fans he will “come back stronger than ever to make the greatest fans in baseball proud.”
Luis Severino has released the following statement: pic.twitter.com/SDIMegu2Mm
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 26, 2020
Severino made just three starts last season after battling arm trouble throughout the entire year. The 26-year-old threw 191.1 innings in 2018 and went 19-8 with a 3.39 ERA and 220 strikeouts. He was named to the All-Star team in both 2017 and 2018, so not having him this season will be a major blow for the Yankees once again.
The Yankees bolstered their rotation this winter with the addition of Gerrit Cole, but they will already be without another top starting pitcher in addition to Severino to begin the season. Their depth will be tested early, and it would not be a surprise if they make a move to add a starter at the trade deadline or sooner with Severino now officially out for the season.
