Around the Empire: Yankees news - 3/16/19

CBS Sports | RJ Anderson: Long suspected, now finally confirmed: Yankees ace Luis Severino will be unavailable until May at the earliest. As the young right-hander continues to recover from shoulder inflammation, it seems the Yankees are taking no chances with his return. CC Sabathia and Aaron Hicks also seem doomed to miss Opening Day, leaving the Yankees short-staffed right out of the gate.

NJ.com | Brandon Kuty: Tied directly to the fact the Yankees will be missing 40% of their expected starting rotation, it’s time for Aaron Boone and Brian Cashman to consider more creative options for the first week or so of the season. The team has given careful consideration to the use of an opener, leaning on Jonathan Holder’s previous experience in the role. He only did it once, but that’s better than NEVER doing it, right?

New York Times | James Wagner: It’s been a whirlwind career for Troy Tulowitzki. From an MVP candidate in Colorado to Blue Jay castoff, the shortstop now finds himself the bargain pickup of his boyhood dream team. If this spring is any indication, Tulo is playing with a chip on his shoulder, and hopefully that keeps him motivated but healthy as long as possible.

SNY | Chris Carelli: Arguably the biggest competition for the team in camp is the final bench spot. With an eight-man bullpen, Austin Romine the backup catcher, and DJ LeMahieu filling an infield role, there’s just one spot left on the team. Greg Bird and Tyler Wade have both had great springs, each posting an OPS over .900, with Wade being a more versatile defender but Bird probably a better true talent hitter. Meanwhile, Clint Frazier and Jacoby Ellsbury are still on the roster as well.