Brian Cashman Explains Why He Isn't Allowing Luis Severino to Pitch in World Baseball Classic

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman confirmed this weekend that right-hander Luis Severino won't pitch in the World Baseball Classic.

Severino was planning to pitch for the Dominican Republic in the WBC, a tournament that begins next month. Cashman isn't taking any chances, though, recalling Severino's injury history over the last few seasons.

“We support our players going [to the WBC], but when a player like Luis Severino, who has had an injury history the last few years ... that’s not in our best interest given losing him so far over the last few years,” Cashman said in an interview with 670 The Score in Chicago on Saturday morning. “Having him pitch competitive, championship-contending World Baseball Classic innings in March, versus preparation innings in March for your long-haul season, that was a decision I had to make.”

New York picked up Severino's $15 million option for the 2023 season earlier this winter, keeping the oft-injured starter in pinstripes for at least one more season.

“I respect he wanted to play, but I gotta protect the Yankees first," Cashman added. "He’s too important to us. His injury history the last few years, it’s better to get him out of the gate nice and slow.”

Severino, who turns 29 later this month, pitched in only seven regular season games from 2019 to 2021, missing the entire 2020 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. He made 19 starts in 2022, posting a 3.18 ERA over 102 innings. Severino would've pitched more if he didn't land on the 60-day injured list, missing a few months over the summer with a lat strain. 

The Yankees will already begin the 2023 season with injury issues in their starting rotation. Frankie Montas is expected to miss the first month of the regular season due to more inflammation in his right shoulder.