Luis Severino, a former New York Yankees pitcher, now proudly occupies a corner locker in the small clubhouse of the Oakland Athletics at Sutter Health Park, which marks a new chapter for him and the team as they transition from Oakland to Sacramento. Severino shares this space with familiar faces, such as Yankees alumni Miguel Andujar and Gio Urshela, as well as left-hander JP Sears.
In a recent interview, the 31-year-old Severino reflected on his time with the Yankees, where he achieved All-Star status in 2017 and 2018. However, his promising career faced challenges following a lucrative contract signed at spring training in 2019, coinciding with years marred by injuries and setbacks. “I loved it there. Those guys made me the pitcher I am and the man I am right now,” he said, emphasizing the important lessons he learned about taking care of his body.
After a rebound season with the Mets, Severino made a surprising move to the rebuilding A’s, embarking on his new journey with enthusiasm. He is particularly looking forward to pitching against his former team in an upcoming match, driven by a desire not just to return to form but to compete against the Yankees, whom he teased recently by stating they only had “two good hitters,” referencing Aaron Judge and Juan Soto.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone responded positively to Severino’s comments, showing appreciation for his competitive spirit and resilience through challenging times in his career. Severino has performed commendably for the A’s, maintaining a 3.62 ERA despite the difficulties of pitching in a notoriously hitter-friendly ballpark.
Taking on a leadership role within the A’s clubhouse, Severino has made a notable impact, especially among Latin players, highlighting the importance of communication and teamwork. His transition was assisted by positive feedback from Andujar about the club environment, ultimately leading him to choose the A’s over a potential return to the Yankees.
As Severino prepares for his upcoming start against the Yankees, he expressed no desire to prove anyone wrong but focused on staying healthy and competing effectively. His journey illustrates not only his determination to overcome adversity but also his eagerness to embrace new challenges with a fresh team and renewed sense of purpose.