The Oakland Athletics announced that Luis Severino has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to a left oblique strain, creating uncertainty about the remainder of his 2025 season. To fill Severino’s spot on the active roster, left-hander Hogan Harris was promoted from Triple-A.
Potential Impact of the Oblique Strain on Severino’s Season
The extent of Severino’s oblique strain is still unknown, but if it exceeds a minor Grade 1 strain, it could end his season prematurely. Since the Athletics are no longer in playoff contention, the team may opt to shut Severino down if his recovery time extends beyond six weeks, as it would offer little benefit to bring him back for just a few late-season appearances.
Severino’s Challenging First Season with the Athletics
This injury compounds an already difficult debut year for Severino in Oakland. The Athletics surprised many by signing the veteran right-hander to a three-year, $67 million free agent contract during the offseason. While the deal might have been influenced partly by the team’s desire to avoid grievances from the players’ union, Severino was still viewed as a significant addition to improve the pitching staff.
Performance Struggles Throughout 2025
However, Severino’s performance this season has fallen short of expectations, posting a 4.82 ERA over 136 1/3 innings alongside disappointing strikeout and whiff rates. His ability to miss bats has declined compared to previous years, and this season he has allowed far more hard contact than during his stronger 2024 campaign with the New York Mets.
Contrast Between Home and Road Performances
One notable aspect of Severino’s 2025 season is the stark difference between his home and road pitching. On the road, he maintains a respectable 3.17 ERA over 65 1/3 innings, but at home, specifically at Sutter Health Park, his ERA balloons to 6.34 across 71 innings. Severino has openly expressed frustration with playing in the minor league ballpark, which reportedly influenced the Athletics’ willingness to trade him. Despite circulating trade rumors before the deadline, no deal materialized, likely due to the team’s reluctance to absorb any portion of Severino’s salary.
Contractual and Future Considerations
Severino is scheduled to earn $20 million in 2026, with a $22 million player option for the 2027 season. Given his discomfort with Sutter Health Park, exercising the opt-out clause might be a viable option for Severino if his performance remains underwhelming. This situation presents a unique challenge for both the pitcher and the Athletics moving forward. Without a trade to redistribute his contract, the opt-out clause and his recent struggles complicate the possibility of resolving his future during the upcoming offseason. Now, with the added setback of the oblique strain, uncertainties around Severino’s role on the team deepen further.