Yankees RHP Luis Severino doesn't seem too worried about the rotator cuff inflammation that has shut him down for at least two weeks.
Severino told reporters on Wednesday morning that the inflammation is "nothing bad" and that he thinks he'll be able to start a throwing program in two weeks. The 25-year-old added that it's better to deal with this injury now than "midseason."
Brian Cashman told reporters that Severino will get a cortisone shot on Wednesday. Cashman also said the Yankees will "rely on what's in camp" to replace Severino heading into the start of the season.
Even if Severino begins his throwing program two weeks from the shutdown date (which would be March 19), there is virtually no chance he will be ready to return in time for Opening Day, which is March 28.
Severino will first throw from flat ground, then off the slope of the mound, and then return to game action.
With Severino out, the Yankees have the option of going with an internal option to replace him for the time being, or getting more aggressive and signing someone like Gio Gonzalez or even Dallas Keuchel.
Keuchel, who doesn't appear to have any serious suitors at the moment, remains available despite posting a 3.74 ERA (3.69 FIP) in 2018 for the Astros. There are a few concerning trends with Keuchel, such as a dip in his strikeout rate, but he's still an above average starter.
If the Yankees opt for an in-house option to fill in for Severino, Domingo German, Jonathan Loaisiga, and Luis Cessa would likely be the starters they choose from.