Bird on Severino: “It’s the same; it’s the same guy that I’ve seen”

For most of us outside observers, Luis Severino’s first four Major League starts have been something new. They’ve been highly anticipated, and they’ve largely lived up to the hype, but they’ve also been our first extended look at the Yankees’ top pitching prospect.

Before he arrived, Severino was a name often heard but rarely seen. His minor league statistics spoke for themselves, but relatively few of us had actually seen Severino pitch very much until he was called up to the big leagues earlier this month. Scouting reports gave a sense of expectation, but seeing that fastball first-hand was a relatively new experience.

New for a lot of people, but not for Greg Bird.

Bird homered in a game two years ago when Severino struck out nine and walked none in a start for Low-A Charleston. When Severino went six hitless innings in his second High-A start of 2014, Bird had three hits in the game. When Severino opened this season with one hit, no walks and eight strikeouts in Double-A, Bird went deep in the sixth inning. Bird also homered when Severino struck out 10 in his final Triple-A start before his promotion.

Called up on August 13, Bird has been on the big league roster for Severino’s past two starts. He had a hit when Severino got his first Major League win last Saturday, and he’ll be either in the lineup or on the bench when Severino makes his fifth start tonight in Atlanta.

“I think he’s just a competitor,” Bird said. “It’s the same. It’s the same guy that I’ve seen. Obviously he’s developed too, but I think just the type of competitor that he is (stands out).”

While many of the veteran Yankees have raved about Severino’s poise and confidence, Bird kind of shrugs when talking about it. It’s not that he doesn’t see it or that he’s not impressed by it, it’s just that Bird’s seen that demeanor for a few years now. He’s used to it, and he said it hasn’t changed at this level.

“I think that’s what makes him successful is he goes out every day and puts in the work, does the same things whether it’s here or at Triple-A, Double-A, High-A, down to Low-A,” Bird said. “You know what you’re going to get. He’s developed, but I think that mindset of, I just go out and do my job and kind of let the rest take care of itself, is what’s making him successful.”

It’s one thing to be confident as a fast-rising minor leaguer. It’s another thing to be confident as a 21-year-old first-time big leaguer (or a 22-year-old first-time big leaguer, in Bird’s case). Both Bird and Severino, though, have carried a sense of belonging into the Yankees’ clubhouse. They’ve looked comfortable and familiar, even as many of us are getting our first good looks at them.

“I think that’s something that’s always been harped on us (in the minors),” Bird said. “Keep doing what you’re doing, you know? It’s got you (this far). If you’re doing the right things, just keep doing what you’re doing. Trust it. Don’t change. That’s kind of what I always heard, and especially as I started getting closer. It’s like, if you get there, don’t change. Keep doing that you’re doing. That’s been my goal. And I think that’s (Severino’s) mentality too.”

Associated Press photos

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