Yankees shut Luis Severino down with rotator cuff tendinitis

Update (4:05 PM): According to Aaron Boone, the Yankees are shutting Luis Severino down for two weeks after an MRI revealed rotator cuff tendinitis.

Based on this time table, it’s unlikely he makes the Opening Day roster.

Original Post: Cross your fingers, Yankee fans. Luis Severino was scratched from his spring start against the Braves today, being shut down during his warmup. The team announced shortly thereafter that he had experienced right shoulder discomfort and would be evaluated later this afternoon.

For Severino, this is the first bump in the road of what’s been a pretty good 2019. After inking his new four-year extension a couple weeks ago, he was set to make his exhibition debut today. Stephen Tarpley took over instead on very late notice.

Try not to panic, everyone. In the immediate term, I think shoulder discomfort is less bad than forearm discomfort or tightness, seemingly the harbinger of Tommy John surgery. Shoulder injuries could be even worse long-term, but shoulder discomfort is as likely to be fatigue and exertion related as anything else. Clayton Kershaw was scratched from his first spring start due to the same issue.

Still, a long-term injury to Severino would be just about the worst case scenario for the Yankees. They’ve built an impressive starting rotation to be sure, but it’s fairly thin. Top-level talent in Severino and James Paxton goes a long way, but the likely fill-ins in case of injury are guys like Luis Cessa and Domingo German, who don’t exactly inspire confidence.

We’ll see how Tarpley does on such short notice and keep tabs on Sevy’s injury and any updates the team gives. Keep checking in as we’ll update the site as soon as we know more. Until then, think positive thoughts.