In a devastating loss to the Baltimore Orioles, the New York Yankees faced an embarrassing defeat with a final score of 9-3. The collapse of starting pitcher Luis Severino was a major factor in the Yankees’ downfall, leaving him with a dismal 7.49 ERA for the season.
The game started off on a disastrous note for the Yankees, as the Orioles batted around and scored seven runs in the bottom of the first inning. This early onslaught from the Orioles set the tone for the rest of the game, as they cruised to an easy victory.
The Yankees’ struggles at the plate were also evident, as they were held to three-or-fewer runs for the 48th time in 105 games. They struck out a staggering 18 times, adding to their offensive woes. However, the blame for this loss lies squarely on Severino, whose performance left much to be desired.
With left-hander Nestor Cortes set to come off the injured list next week, the Yankees will need to make a decision about their rotation. While it was initially believed that Domingo German would be the one to be dropped from the rotation, Severino’s continued poor outings have made him the prime candidate for removal. Whether it be a demotion to the bullpen or a more drastic solution, Severino’s spot in the rotation is in serious jeopardy.
Considering that this is Severino’s walk year to free agency, his poor performance this season has cost him dearly. He has struggled with injuries and has not come close to meeting the expectations set during his stellar 2017 and 2018 seasons. Severino’s lackluster performance has likely cost him a significant contract this offseason, and it seems unlikely that the Yankees will retain him for next season.
The Orioles’ dominant first inning encapsulated Severino’s struggles, as he allowed 10 hits and 9 earned runs in just 3 1/3 innings. This outing marked one of Severino’s worst in his career, highlighting his decline over the past few seasons. Since his outstanding 2018 campaign, Severino has gone 11-9 in just 38 outings, including a 2-5 record this season.
Looking ahead, the Yankees will face the Tampa Bay Rays in their upcoming series. RHP Domingo German will take on Tyler Glasnow in the first game, followed by Zach Eflin facing off against LHP Carlos Rodon in the second game. The series will conclude with a matchup between Shane McClanahan and RHP Gerrit Cole.
Overall, the Yankees’ loss to the Orioles was a glaring reflection of Severino’s decline. With the team’s postseason hopes hanging in the balance, the decision to remove Severino from the rotation appears imminent. As Severino’s future with the Yankees remains uncertain, it is clear that his once-bright career has taken a significant hit.
