The New York Yankees opted not to make any moves at the trade deadline. The team was linked to several big-named pitchers including David Price and Johnny Cueto, but stayed put mainly because any deal would have required them to give up Luis Severino who has been one of the most highly touted prospects. With three games under his belt, Severino has been as good as advertised and will get to show that once again as the Yankees face the Cleveland Indians on Saturday.
Severino has a 3.18 ERA after three starts with the Yankees. While the team has yet to record a win with the pitcher, he certainly has been a strong threat on the mound. With players like CC Sabathia and Masahiro Tanaka struggling with consistencies and Michael Pineda remaining injured, the Yankees need Severino to be a star heading into the home stretch of the regular season. In his last start, the pitcher went six innings, giving up five hits and three runs while striking out nine. However, the Yankees offense went cold and failed to get him the win.
The Yankees continue to sit in first place in the American League East, but the Toronto Blue Jays are hot on their trail. With Mark Teixeira out with injury, the Yankees are relying on depth in Greg Bird who has quickly jumped on the scene for New York. The first baseman will hold down the position while the veteran is expected to hit the disabled list. Meanwhile, Bird is being considered the future of the franchise and will show that against Cleveland.
The Indians sit in fifth play in the American League Central with little hope of making the playoffs. Danny Salazar will take the mound and look to give the team some momentum. He has a 3.16 ERA on the season while being 11-6 as one of the team's top arms. In his last start, he went seven innings with just four hits and one run tagged to him. The pitcher has been on a roll with just three earned runs to his name in his last four starts. He has been thriving since the All-Star break. In his last start against the Yankees, the pitcher went seven innings for four hits while striking out eight players.
