As Luis Severino changed by his locker on Wednesday, a large group of reporters crowded around the righty.
After nine major league seasons with the Yankees, Severino is in his first with the crosstown rival Mets. With the two teams playing the season’s first Subway Series at Citi Field, a lot of reporters naturally wanted to speak with Severino.
Asked what the biggest difference is between the two teams, Severino said, “Having a beard.” He’s sporting one now that he’s allowed to.
In all seriousness, Severino said the biggest adjustment has been getting to know more people after playing in the Yankees’ organization from ages 18-29. He also said things are chiller in Queens than they are in the Bronx, where fans expect the Yanks to win the World Series every year.
“This is definitely just a little bit more calm,” Severino said. “I don’t know if it’s because nobody was expecting us to win this year, it was a little bit less pressure for us.”
Severino flashed ace potential during his time with the Yankees, but he battled multiple injuries and flamed out with the team in 2023, recording a 6.65 ERA over 89.1 innings.
“I gave everything that I have,” Severino said of his Yankees years. “I was not looking to get injured. I was just trying to compete. And the thing is, I got hurt playing baseball. I was not out of sight, going on a motorcycle or freakin’ diving out of a helicopter or some sh*t like that. I was playing baseball, and I gave everything that I got to the Yankees. At the end, there is no hard feelings. I love the Yankees. I love the guys out there, and I’m here because they gave me an opportunity to be somebody.”
Severino’s first season with Mets has gone well so far, as he’s recorded a 3.29 ERA over 15 starts. He’s yet to land on the injured list, and he’s improved his eating habits. He’s also been sleeping better after consulting with a doctor.
“It’s little things like that that people think, ‘Oh, that’s silly,’ but it goes a long way,” Severino said.
While Severino has settled in nicely with the Mets, he’s still helping some of his friends on the Yankees.
For example, he recently gave Clarke Schmidt some advice after the latter suffered a lat injury. Severino had a similar issue last season.
Severino has also remained close with Luis Gil, who is enjoying a breakout season. The two Dominican starters used to regularly play dominoes at Severino’s house, and Gil still texts Severino for advice.
“They’re my family,” Severino said of his former Yankees teammates.
Severino was originally supposed to start on Tuesday, but the Mets moved him to this past Sunday’s game. He said a few Yankees texted him, “Are you afraid of us?” after the switch.
With those texts still fresh on his mind, he’s hoping to pitch when the Subway Series moves to the Bronx in July.
“I’ll have my chances,” Severino said. “We have another one going in New York, so hopefully I get them in that one.”
GONZÁLEZ STAYING PUT
The Yankees outrighted lefty reliever Victor González to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Wednesday after he passed through waivers. The Yankees designated González for assignment last week.
He has a 3.86 ERA in the majors this season, but he’s struggled of late and has posted poor metrics across the board.
Additionally, the Yankees transferred Scott Effross’ rehab assignment from Single-A Tampa to Triple-A on Wednesday. He’s working his way back from Tommy John and back surgeries.
“He’s still got a ways to go,” Aaron Boone said, though he added that Effross could be an option in the “coming weeks.”
THROWBACK FLIGHT
With the Yankees heading to Toronto after the Subway Series, players were told to wear throwback baseball jerseys on their team flight.
Gerrit Cole, who grew up near Angel Stadium, had a Garret Anderson jersey in his locker. Tommy Kahnle went with his favorite childhood player, Reds great Barry Larkin. Caleb Ferguson, a former Dodger, repped Jackie Robinson. Alex Verdugo honored the late Willie Mays with a Giants jersey, while Jose Trevino paid tribute to Pirates legend Roberto Clemente.
Nestor Cortes chose a Giancarlo Stanton Marlins jersey, as he grew up a fan of his current teammate’s former team. Meanwhile, Marcus Stroman picked a Black Yankees jersey. He purchased it when he visited the Negro Leagues Museum when the Bombers were recently in Kansas City.
A few current Yankees chose the franchise’s former greats. Jahmai Jones had a Mickey Mantle jersey, while DJ LeMahieu had a classic Babe Ruth uniform.
Closer Clay Holmes went with Mariano Rivera.
