Yankees Rumors: Trade, Free-Agent Signing To Improve Starting Pitching Likely Not On Horizon

Luis Severino Yankees — Luis Severino #40 of the New York Yankees walks back to the dugout after being pulled against the Boston Red Sox during the fourth inning in Game Three of the American League Division Series at Yankee Stadium on October 08, 2018 in the Bronx borough of New York City. Elsa/Getty Images

Shortly after Luis Severino was scratched from Tuesday’s spring training start, the New York Yankees received relatively good news when it was revealed that the starting pitcher was suffering from right shoulder inflammation. Since the Yankees are only expected to be without their ace for a short time, the organization appears comfortable going forward with what they have on the roster.

There has been speculation that Severino’s injury might force New York to pursue one of the available starters in free agency. Despite players like Gio Gonzalez and Dallas Keuchel remaining unsigned, Yankees’ general manager Brian Cashman indicated Wednesday that a notable move is not on the horizon.

Cashman on adding an outside starter given Severino situation: “Can’t rule anything out but the main focus is what we’ve got.”
Obviously Yankees will now find out how much reliable starting depth they have but “I like the personnel” in the room.
— Pete Caldera (@pcaldera) March 6, 2019

In the wake of Severino’s injury, Cashman said the Yankees are focused on going with what they have in house (German, Loaisiga). Additions are unlikely until after June draft.
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) March 6, 2019

Severino is expected to start the 2019 MLB season on the disabled list. He will be shut down for at least two weeks, though Cashman acknowledged to reporters that the 24-year-old could miss more time than that.

Severino led the Yankees’ starters in wins, ERA and strikeouts last season. He was supposed to start on Opening Day on March 28.

Domingo German and Jonathan Loaisiga are New York’s top options to replace Severino in the rotation.

German started in 14 of his 21 appearances last season, posting a 5.57 ERA overall. Loaisiga made four starts as a rookie in 2018, allowing six earned runs in 18 innings in those starts.

Fancred’s Jon Heyman reported Tuesday that the Yankees discussed pursuing Gonzalez, even before Severino got hurt. Gonzalez had a down 2018 campaign after finishing sixth in the 2017 NL Cy Young voting.

It’s hard to believe that the Yankees would make Keuchel an offer with Severino slated to return at some point in the first month of the season. Keuchel is likely looking to make around $20 million per season, though he might be forced to settle for a short-term contract.

There was speculation early in the offseason that the San Francisco Giants might make Madison Bumgarner available, but the team hasn’t shown any signs that they are currently willing to deal their best starter.

New York could make a move later in the season if they need help in the rotation. The Yankees traded for J.A. Happ last summer, and they acquired Sonny Gray before the 2017 trade deadline.

Major league baseball