The 2018 Wild Card game is all set, and the New York Yankees know who they want to have the ball, Luis Severino.
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone announced Tuesday afternoon that Luis Severino will get the start for the Bombers in the Wild Card game Wednesday.
RHP Luis Severino will start for the Yankees in Wednesday's AL Wild Card Game.
— Yankees PR Dept. (@YankeesPR) October 2, 2018
Severino finished the season 19-8 record with a 3.39 ERA, and 220 strikeouts. Despite a slow second half, Severino has found parts of his game down the stretch.
When asked why Severino, Boone’s response is simple, his stuff.
Boone says Severino is “very equipped to handle everything that goes with this game, most importantly he has amazing stuff & ability to dominate big league hitters.” #Yankees #ALWildCard @fox5ny
— Tina Cervasio (@TinaCervasio) October 2, 2018
Going with Severino is a shock considering the production they have gotten from J.A. Happ and Masahiro Tanaka in the second half. Happ went 7-0 since being acquired, and Tanaka posted a 2.85 ERA in the second half, but it was not enough to get the ball. Sevy, on the other hand, posted a 5.57 ERA after the all-star break.
Severino is no stranger to pitching in the one game playoff. Most fans remember his start against the Twins last season where he could not get out of the first inning allowing three runs. He will be making his first start in eight days, but Boone does not think that will be an issue for the 24-year-old.
Boone on Severino: “When he’s pitching at his best, I believe he will be the best pitcher on the field tomorrow.”
— Jack Curry (@JackCurryYES) October 2, 2018
In two starts this season against Oakland, Severino has mixed numbers. His first start in May saw the vintage Sevy, with him going six innings allowing five hits, one run, and seven strikeouts. His second time around, however, was not so pretty. A September start that saw him only last two and two thirds, giving up six hits and six runs (five earned).
How does Severino feel about getting the start you wonder? Excited, to say the least.
Severino said getting the wild card start means the Yankees “trust” him. Said that means a lot to him.
— Jack Curry (@JackCurryYES) October 2, 2018
Severino acknowledged that he might be on a short leash considering the magnitude of the one-game playoff. Despite that, all he wants to do is go out there and give the Bombers the best start he can possibly give them.
Severino understands he might be on a short leash. “I just want to win,” he said. Severino added that he doesn’t care if he only goes 4 good innings, as long as Yankees win.
— Jack Curry (@JackCurryYES) October 2, 2018
Severino’s opponent has still not been announced, but people around the A’s expect them to go with an opener.
All the action starts Wednesday night as the Yankees and A’s square off with the winner moving on to Boston.
