Mets pitcher Luis Severino won’t be facing his former team in the upcoming Subway Series, but that didn’t stop him from sounding off on his former teammates ahead of the important series.
Severino, who missed a chance to pitch against the Yankees last month after manager Carlos Mendoza reshuffled the rotation to start two lefties, revealed that some of his former Bronx teammates have been teasing him in a group chat, suggesting he was afraid to face them
Severino’s response was pointed: “I’m not afraid of those guys. Right now, you only have two good hitters,” he said, referring to Aaron Judge and Juan Soto.
The Mets have again lined up two lefty starters, Jose Quintana and Sean Manaea, for the Subway Series.
This shift ensures the Mets’ two lefties will take on the Yankees.
“For some reason the Yankees are not too good against lefties this year,” Severino said.
“You only have to walk Judge and after that it will be better. But I understand the logic of lefties because you know Soto hits lefty, [Alex] Verdugo hits lefty and Judge is the only right-hander that hits lefties, so I understand the logic.”
With the All-Star break well in the rearview mirror, Severino and the Mets are looking forward to making a run in the second half of the season.
“For us, we need to get better and hopefully we’re facing them in the World Series,” said Severino, who signed a one-year, $13 million contract with the Mets last winter after nine years with the Yankees.
Reflecting on the team’s improvement, Severino noted the Mets’ turnaround since their last visit to loanDepot park in May.
The Mets, now in the hunt for the NL’s third wild-card spot with a 27-13 run to close the first half, are looking to maintain their momentum.
“The last time we were (in Miami) the team was real different from what we are right now,” Severino said.
“I feel right now we have a shot to be in the playoffs. We are hopefully soon going to have [Kodai] Senga come back, that will be huge for us, and we’ll see what happens.”
When asked about Senga’s impending return, Severino said, “We are going to trade for an ace to start the second half. It’s amazing, having him at the front of the rotation… I think it’s going to be great.”
What are your thoughts on Severino’s comments?
Of course, he was half-joking with the swipe he took at the Yankees … But do you think there’s truth to the Bombers being too top heavy?
For what it’s worth, Severino was very solid in his outing on Saturday against the Marlins. Perhaps he can turn into a true weapon for the Mets down the stretch.
What’s your realistic expectations for the Mets the rest of the season … Will they make the playoffs???