The Yankees announced Monday that they’ve reinstated right-hander Luis Severino from the 60-day injured list and cleared a spot on the 40-man roster by releasing right-hander Sal Romano.
Severino, 27, will make his return to a big league mound for the first time in nearly two years. His last regular-season appearance for the Yankees came back on Sept. 28, 2019. He hasn’t pitched in a Major League game since his Game 3 start against the Astros in that year’s ALCS. Severino underwent Tommy John surgery in Feb. 2020, and his return has been delayed in 2021 by setbacks throughout the recovery process, namely some shoulder and groin injuries.
Even including Severino’s postseason work in 2019, he’s pitched just 20 1/3 innings for the Yankees since Opening Day of that season. He missed nearly the entire 2019 campaign due to shoulder and lat strains, and his 2020 season was wiped out entirely by the aforementioned Tommy John procedure. It’s obviously not how the Yankees drew things up when signing Severino to a four-year, $40MM contract extension in Feb. 2019. That contract spanned the 2019-22 campaigns and gives the Yankees a $15MM club option for a fifth season.
Manager Aaron Boone suggested over the weekend that Severino’s return was imminent. However, the two-time All-Star and 2017 third-place finisher in American League Cy Young voting won’t return to the Yankees’ rotation this year. Severino did not have time to build up to the point where he could work as a starter, so he’ll work as a reliever down the stretch, perhaps being called upon for two- or three-inning stints.
Moving forward, there’s little doubt the Yankees hope to reinstall Severino near the top of their rotation. It’s been three years since we last saw a full season from Severino, but he’s among the best starters in the American League when healthy. From 2017-18, Severino logged 384 2/3 innings with a 3.18 ERA, an impressive 28.8 percent strikeout rate and a similarly excellent 6.2 percent walk rate.
Assuming Severino’s injury troubles are behind him, he’ll join Gerrit Cole, Jordan Montgomery, Jameson Taillon and Domingo German as the top rotation options for the Yankees in 2022. Prospects Deivi Garcia, Clarke Schmidt, Luis Medina and Ken Waldichuk are among the top options in the upper minors, and it’s of course possible that the Yankees will make an offseason move or two in an effort to deepen and strengthen their collection of MLB-caliber arms.
For Romano, today’s release marks the latest in a dizzying stretch of transactions this season. Since beginning the year with the Reds organization — where he was originally drafted and developed — his transaction log reads as followed:
- May 14: Designated for assignment by Reds
- May 17: Elects free agency
- May 22: Signs minor league deal with Yankees
- July 22: Selected to MLB roster by Yankees
- July 31: Designated for assignment by Yankees
- Aug. 3: Claimed off waivers by Brewers
- Aug. 10: Designated for assignment by Brewers
- Aug. 13: Elects free agency
- Aug. 14: Signs minor league deal with Yankees
- Sept. 9: Selected to MLB roster by Yankees
- Sept. 10: Designated for assignment by Yankees
- Sept. 13: Elects free agency
- Sept. 14: Signs Major League deal with Yankees
- Sept. 17: Placed on 10-day injured list (sprained finger)
- Sept. 20: Released by Yankees
Romano has allowed a pair of runs in 3 1/3 innings with the Yankees this year and has been tagged for a 6.12 ERA on the season overall between Cincinnati, Milwaukee and New York. Romano has had a nice season in Triple-A and had some success as a rookie with Cincinnati back in 2017, but it’s begun to feel as though he’s spent nearly as much time in DFA limbo and minor league free agency this season as he has as an active member of an organization’s MLB or Triple-A roster. He’s gotten service time and big league pay for all of the time spent in the Majors and in DFA limbo, but the manner in which he’s been pinballed on and off MLB rosters has to be nevertheless frustrating.
Given that Romano was on the injured list at the time of his release, it remains to be seen whether he can get back to good enough health to return to the mound in 2021. If not, he’ll look for a more stable opportunity in free agency this winter.
Man Alive! How many times can they do this to Sal Romano!!
I do feel sorry for Romano as well. Especially since he’s not making the big $$$ and being bounced around like a yo-yo. I’m guessing Yankees would like a round 2 with Kluber in 2022 since he’s proven he can pitch in New York. He’s had a few bad starts but he’s aeons ahead of what Heaney has done. No way Heaney is a Yankee in 2022.
Everybody Loves Salvatore.
Not Sal!
I guess Sal will go back to Staten Island and work in his dad’s garage/pizzeria.
Look, I know this is dumb, but whenever I read something about Sal Romano and the Yankees, I think of Sal Fasano and the old “Sal’s Pals” days when he shaved off the legendary fumanchu moustache.
Then he moved on to another team and promptly grew that bad boy back where it’s stayed ever since.
FREE SAL
They did!
Regardless of who wins the world series it looks like Sal will get a share of the world series money. He has played for everyone.
Good point. He may get a cup of coffee for money but he will certainly get a ring.
God I’d love to run Boone over with my car. As a Yankees fan, I hope they miss the playoffs so they get rid him. Is it me or is one of the most important jobs of a manager to inspire their players? They gave this guy four years and $200 million-plus payrolls and he can’t get the team to stop looking as if they’re the walking dead.
Boone’s not the problem. Managers don’t win games. They can only lose them. The Yankees need talent. What’s Girardi done in Philly? The man he replaced was an analytical manager. Gabe Kapler is the likely Manager of the Year with the 2021 SF Giants.
Although I understand what you’re saying, Bright Side, I do disagree with you. Boone is directly responsible for his team’s field play. They lack fundamentals and it has killed their playoff chances. If they simply made the fundamental plays this year with greater consistency they likely win enough games to be the #1 WC team without too much worry.
I’m not sure about Thames either; but their hitting is anemic most of the time. Poor Jordan Montgomery has the lowest run support in all MLB this year. With our offense, that’s completely unacceptable. Additionally, Boone has made several in-game choices that created undesired outcomes. We need a Bucky Showalter or Bochey in that dugout.
Did the Yankees ever say why they decided to go in a different direction from Joe Girardi?
I agree that Monty has had it tough with run support, but he’s yet another overrated Yankees ‘prospect’. He’s at best an average #3 starter, but more likely a 4th or 5th starter on a good team. The Yankees need to add two starting pitchers this offseason, improve their bullpen and figure out how to move 2-3 offensive starters off this team next year if they truly want to compete for a title. No matter who the manager (or GM) is, there is a lot of work to be done with this team.
How was he *ever* overrated!?
He was not highly regarded nor was he ever a big name in the minors. He won the job with a spring training performance.
No.
He’s not an ace nor has anyone claimed as such. Your Doom & Gloom is unfounded, @Dot.
Cole is an ace. Montgomery, Taillon, & German are all proven solid MLB starters. Yanks have some young guys; Gil, Schmidt, & even Garcia. Not to mention Cortes as a decent swing option. Throw in Sevy as a wild card, but high upside candidate.
Yanks don’t need “two starting pitchers”. Blarney. I can see them making a run at a Scherzer or Verlander type. But one starter – in addition to the obligatory depth signings – will be plenty this offseason.
Our pitching is in much better shape moving forward than the sox is.
@ducky tbh IMO what your nyy needs (just like my birds) is depth, last few years nyy has been unlucky with injuries with both pitching and position players. Next season I think if nyy go after some depth guys they will be back in serious talks of being a top team in bb.
The Yankees made the playoffs after setting the record for players on the IL. Depth is not the issue, it’s the current players who aren’t playing up to their talents outside of Judge. They get good pitching, they can’t hit. They finally score more than five runs, but the bullpen implodes. They take a lead and immediately give it back. This is a systematic issue with how the players are being utilized. Injuries are not the reason they’re losing so many one run games.
They just wanted to go in a new direction. They said he wasn’t great with the media but I think that’s just an s case. Tbh I think they got used to being in the playoffs every year, so upper management figured, “hey, this is a well constructed team with a lot of future potential, we can put pretty much anyone in to manage and they’ll be just fine!”
Yeah… no. I like Boone, but he’s gotta go. Thames too. An offense that absurd can not lose as many one run games as they have. That shows a lack of leadership, direction, and focus, all of which falls on Boone.
Dorothy_Mantooth I’m not sure about your take on Monty but not every prospect is ace or bust. I’ll take a number three like Monty any day.
@Ducky I agree 100%. I like Montgomery I think he’s done a good job. He’s stayed fairly healthy and pitched well. I’ve been saying it for a while about them signing Scherzer to a one or two year deal and plugging him at two. Let the rest sort itself out but one thing for sure is that Montgomery will be in their rotation he’s earned it.
Our bullpen depth & position player depth has been pretty good, @brodie-b. But our lack of depth in the rotation has been a recurring problem for this ballclub.
The rotation felt just a little unfinished going into Spring training & it’s felt that way all season. It’s seemed like we were one SP light.
Stability in the starting staff will have to be addressed over the winter. Pretty much the same as last year. We – once again – need a dependable, *durable*, #3 (or better!) added to the mix.
I think Scherzer is going to get at least 3 years. But: he would be the perfect addition.
He & Cole at the top of the rotation as co-aces. Fill it in with: Monty, Taillon, German, Cortes. Sevy then assumes the bounceback/upside role that Kluber did. Use the kids/MiLB signings for depth.
That would certainly be a championship caliber starting staff.
Yeah, he’s done much better than I thought he would.
Nasty Nestor has to be in the rotation next year, he’s earned it. Cole/Cortes/Monty/Taillon are set IMO.
King is also an outside possibility, and maybe Medina will break through to the the majors.
Taillon should be at 100% all year, no more rust to shake off and he shouldn’t be hitting any fatigue walls like he did this year. I’d love to see Sevy back but he’s become Pavanino and I don’t expect anything from him at this point. Hope he surprises me.
They don’t really need to add anyone as a FA for the rotation, they should see if what they have now can get it done, and it probably can. I could see them taking a look at Verlander or trying Kluber again but that’s about it.
If they want to add someone big they could look at Seager to play SS, Gleyber has just about worn out my patience. And maybe make a move for a defense first catcher and move on from Gary.
@ Ducky, I don’t think Scherzer wants to play with any eastern teams since when he was dealt from Nats he reportedly wanted to play for west coast teams. Perhaps the Yanks could go after Matz, Rodon, Ray and Verlander instead.
@gruber tbh I think nyy needs to get a low end fa that can pitch in there ballpark then trade some of there young bats for some young close to mlb ready pitching. Granted that is easier said then done but someone like libitore who they can have be there backend/long relief guy and develop him into a top end role is what they really need.
Thank you for the Romano list it’s amazing
I’m guessing he’ll wind up in Korea.
Poor Sal Romano. Whatever team picks him up, he knows he’ll be cut a few days later. Is this the third time this season the Yankees have cut him
The mute button “timeless”
Gil and Poor Nestor don’t even make the list of options?
Was thinking the same thing.
Surprised me as well
Romano release 3 days into an IL stint. Yankees could’ve just bumped him to the 60-day IL. He’d be off the roster and done anyway but at least he’d get a little more pay and service time.
But since he’s been released, can he join another team immediately? Or does he still need to stay out the full 10 days?
He could sign tomorrow. 10 days is DFA
Romano released 3 days into an IL stint. Yankees could’ve just bumped him to the 60-day IL. He’d be off the roster and at least he’d get a little more pay and service time.
But since he’s been released, can Romano join another team immediately? Or does he still need to stay out the full 10 days?
How Much Would It Help If Mike Scioscia Is Managing The New York Yankees In 2022 & His Bench Coach Is Paul O’Neill?
How Is It That Catchers Make The Best Managers,After They Call It Quits From Playing?
Because catchers are (supposed to be) the most educated players on the team. I’m certainly not putting down the difficult of all the other positions, but the sheer amount of knowledge a catcher needs to have on hand is only second to pitchers, and they’re not playing every day. Catchers need to be part of pitcher meetings, coaches meetings, doing the hardest defensive drills, taking the most physical abuse out of any other player, and that’s not even getting into the offensive part of their game.
Catchers also really, REALLY have to love the game of baseball to be willing to put up with as much as they do. All that put together and you have a very durable, intelligent, strong willed person who can fit the manager seat. Unless it’s Gary Sanchez.
Joe Torre Was Once A Catcher & Look At What He Did In His Managerial Career.
How Much Would It Help If Mike Scioscia Is Managing The New York Yankees In 2022 & His Bench Coach Is Paul O’Neill?
Torre, Bochy, Scioscia heck I think Matheny was a pretty good manager with the Cardinals as well
But the bottom line is, Sal is a millionaire.
Sal Romano is making history not that kind of history he wants but history nonetheless.
I’m a turtle
Poor Sal
normally i hate the “george would have done this or that” narrative but one thing george WOULD have done is signed scherzer in 2014. that was a missed opportunity, to put it gently