Luis Severino, the Athletics’ starting pitcher with a 2-8 record and a 2.83 ERA, faces the possibility of missing the playoffs for the first time since 2016, as the team trails the Wild Card by 9.5 games before their Friday matchup against the Yankees. Severino, who pitched in the postseason with the Yankees from 2017 to 2023 and with the Mets in 2024, has not been able to help turn the Athletics’ season around.
Leading the team in losses and hits allowed, Severino, 31 years old, has struggled to meet his career average ERA of 3.91 while pitching for the Athletics this season. His performance has been a significant factor in the team’s difficulties. Yankees manager Aaron Boone addressed his team’s upcoming series against three Athletics pitchers who were all former Yankees prospects, highlighting the strategic edge his team hopes to exploit.
Upcoming Series to Feature Three Yankees-Trained Pitchers on Athletics
The Athletics will start three pitchers consecutively in their series against the Yankees: Mitch Spence, JP Sears, and Luis Severino. All three were developed within the Yankees’ farm system. Spence holds a 2-2 record with a 3.84 ERA, Sears is 5-7 with a 5.44 ERA, and Severino will pitch Sunday, closing out the series.
“Hopefully they struggle a little bit this weekend in the Bronx,”
—Aaron Boone, Yankees Manager
Severino signed a three-year, $67 million contract with the Athletics last December after posting an 11-7 record and a 3.91 ERA over 31 starts for the Mets last season. He also performed well in the playoffs with the Mets, recording a 3.24 ERA in three postseason starts.
Future Schedule Sets the Stage for Both Teams
After the series against the Athletics, the Yankees plan to hit the road to face the Toronto Blue Jays and the Mets, before returning home to host the Seattle Mariners and Chicago Cubs. The Athletics, meanwhile, will travel to play the Tampa Bay Rays and then return home to face the San Francisco Giants, Atlanta Braves, and Blue Jays.
This stretch will be crucial for both the Athletics and the Yankees as they position themselves for the postseason, with Severino’s performance remaining a key factor in the Athletics’ playoff chances.