Sevy Returns

 
After 5-1/2 months, the Yankees finally had their ace back. Luis Severino, who'd missed spring training with a shoulder injury that was complicated by a lat muscle issue, made his 2019 debut in the 151st game of the season. Was the wait worth it? That might be a little much to say -- but the four innings we saw were impressive. No runs, two hits, four strikeouts and plenty of gas. Severino's fastball reached 98 miles an hour.

All positive developments. And with the post-season coming up, a stronger pitching staff will be even more crucial. Sure, in this year of the home run, the idea of a dominating Koufax-Gibson-Ford type seems as outdated as a DeSoto in the driveway.

But if Soriano can tack on a little more length, say five or six innings and 70 to 80 pitches, he'll capably join James Paxton and Masahiro Tanaka in countering the big arms they're likely to face from the Indians, Astros and Dodgers.

What's next? Hearing from Soriano and the Yankee trainers the morning after -- just to be sure that the shoulder and back remain problem free.

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