Nightmare in pinstripes: Yankee says 2023 his 'worst year' in baseball

For Luis Severino, the 2023 season is a nightmare the pitcher can't wake up from.

The New York Yankees had high hopes this year for Severino, who when healthy has pitched at a near-ace level. In 19 starts last season, the two-time All-Star boasted a 3.18 ERA and 3.73 K/BB ratio.

This season, however, the 29-year-old has struggled mightily. Through 14 outings, Severino sports an abysmal 8.06 ERA — the worst among pitchers who have tossed at least 60 innings this season. 

To right their ailing starter, the Yankees used an opener ahead of Severino on Wednesday, opting to begin the game against the Chicago White Sox with reliever Ian Hamilton. Severino has a 13.85 ERA in first innings this season.

Despite entering the game in the second inning, Severino's performance was more of the same. The right-hander lasted two innings and gave up four runs in a  9-2 loss to the White Sox.

"I’m just having the worst year of my life in baseball," Severino said afterward, per the New York Post. "I love being a starter, but right now, this year has not been working." 

After Hamilton tossed a clean first inning in just 10 pitches, White Sox third baseman Yoan Moncada welcomed Severino to the game with a double to right field. The scorching hit clocked in at 97.2 mph off the bat — the lowest exit velocity of the five hits Severino surrendered. 

An RBI single from catcher Yasmani Grandal and 430-foot, two-run home run by outfielder Oscar Colas quickly placed Severino and the Yankees in a 3-0 hole.

"I’m not sure [what else I can do]," Severino said, "but right now, I’m willing to do anything to get better."

Wednesday's loss placed the last-place Yankees (59-56) 5.5 games behind the Toronto Blue Jays for the final AL wild-card spot. With Severino's struggles showing no signs of ending, one wonders if starting him is best for a team vying for the playoffs.