WEST SACRAMENTO, CA – Louis Severino reminisces about being a Yankees fan growing up, and he still identifies as one today.
Interestingly, he’s eager to pitch against the Yankees soon.
“I’m really looking forward to facing the Yankees,” Severino mentioned Friday at Sutter Health Park, ahead of his anticipated start on Sunday after the Yankees’ 10-2 victory. “I’m just figuring out what to throw to [Aaron] Judge… I’ll give it my all.”
There’s a lot of anticipation for a rematch between Severino—who signed with the Yankees internationally in 2012 and became a standout pitcher for them from 2015 to 2023— and the Yankees. Unfortunately, this matchup didn’t materialize last year as the Mets had to reshuffle their rotation.
They opted for a left-handed pitcher against a Yankees lineup that had struggled against lefties. Manager Aaron Boone humorously remarked that Severino “overshadowed us” last year.
Regarding 2024, Severino pointed out that it wasn’t his call, with the Yankees jokingly saying, “Now… they only have two good batsmen.”
So, how many solid hitters do the Yankees have now?
“I’m not sure,” he replied with a chuckle from his clubhouse. “Over here, you have to check the stats. I’m three hours behind. Definitely one is Judge, that much I know.”
The Yankees are observing a different Severino now. He has put together a solid performance during his first eight starts with the A’s, showing a 3.62 ERA, which is quite impressive.
He looks different too, sporting a beard that he wasn’t allowed to have while with the Yankees.
“I was pretty frustrated,” he said, laughing again as he recalled learning about the Yankees’ updated facial hair policies this spring. “I was there and couldn’t do it. But I’m happy for everyone else.”
Severino seemed satisfied with his three-year, $67 million contract, a product of a strong season he had in Queens. The A’s had to make a competitive offer to attract experienced starters into their minor league environment.
He admitted that pitching in the humid and windy conditions of Sacramento has been “tough,” but he has managed to be effective thus far.
Moreover, he’s healthy. After his time with the Yankees was marred by injuries, he managed to make 31 starts (plus three in the postseason) with the Mets. He feels he has learned to better care for his body.
Severino has evolved into a leading pitcher, recognized by his teammate JP Sears as a primary mentor for younger players, especially those from Latino backgrounds.
Excited for Sunday’s game, Severino doesn’t seem to hold any grudges against the Yankees after his time there ended due to injuries and inconsistency.
“I love it,” he said about his first team. “Growing up, I was a Yankees fan. I’m still a Yankees fan. They helped shape me into a pitcher.”
