Luis Severino’s injury looms over Yankees’ 5-1 victory against the Braves

The Yankees won Tuesday afternoon’s game, but that outcome proved inconsequential — even by spring training standards. The story of the day broke before first pitch, when the team scratched Luis Severino from his scheduled start. Shoulder stiffness led to an MRI which resulted in a rotator cuff tendinitis diagnosis. While Severino underwent testing, the Bombers routed the Braves by a score of 5-1.

You can find a full box score of the game here, but for now, here are three take-aways:

1. According to Lindsey Adler, Aaron JudgeJ recently noted that he enjoys having a spring training to focus on the year ahead, and not rehab an injury. That story checks out. Judge continued his hot spring on Tuesday afternoon, swatting another home run. This one went for a three-run shot against Chad Sobotka. It broke a 1-1 tie, giving the Yankees a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. Baseball is fun when does Judge hits bombs.

2. J.A. Happ made his second appearance of the spring, and it went far better than his last time out. It was a typical Happ showing. He allowed one run on four hits, striking out three in the process. The left-hander used a wide array of pitches, notably mixing in a changeup and slider. The 36-year-old will play a big role in the rotation this season, especially now with Severino on the shelf.

3. How about Estevan Florial? This is just the kind of spring training he needed. The top prospect appears to have put an injury-hampered 2018 behind him, and looks free of the rust that characterized his Arizona Fall League run. Florial went 1-for-2 at the plate, drew a walk, and ran wild on the basepaths. The 21-year-old is showing why the Yankees value him so highly.

Highlight of the Game

Judge dingers are the best.

The Yankees play the Cardinals tomorrow afternoon. Jonathan Loaisiga will start. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 PM.