Spring training is not necessarily about having the lowest ERA, or having the best results.
For pitchers, it is a time to get the arm in top shape, try new pitches, work on location, and other things.
For New York Yankees starter Luis Severino, spring training was about two things: staying healthy and entering the season on a groove from the mound.
So far, he seems to be fulfilling both of those goals.
“Luis Severino had the ‘best breaking ball and slider he’s had all spring,’ according to Aaron Boone. Severino struck out nine over four innings,” Yankees insider Bryan Hoch tweeted.
Luis Severino had the “best breaking ball and slider he’s had all spring,” according to Aaron Boone. Severino struck out nine over four innings.
—Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) March 21, 2023
These days, most of the players on MLB rosters are either members of the roster or fighting for it.
That means the competition level is tougher than at the start of the spring.
It’s nice to see Severino showing his best stuff and earning his best results this late in the spring.
It sure seems like he is peaking at the right time.
The right-hander is also motivated because he is playing for his next contract.
That always helps.
He was very good last year for the Yankees, with a 3.18 ERA in 102 innings.
The Yankees are ready to have him surpass 150 innings for the first time in a long while.
They actually need him to do so, as they are currently down two star pitchers in the rotation: Carlos Rodon and Frankie Montas.
As long as Severino is healthy, he has one of the best repertoires in the American League, and he isn’t afraid to show it.
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