Pregame notes: “This time, I’m going to pitch”

The Yankees need this one.

If the division is going to remain in sight, if they’re going to give themselves a realistic shot at a down-the-stretch surge into first place, they need to win this game.

Win this game, and the Yankees will be 2.5 games back with 12 to play. Win this game, and they’ll have a chance to pull within a game-and-a-half tomorrow. It’s not ideal position, but it’s not awful.

“As important as any games we’ve played all year when you talk about trying to win the division,” manager Joe Girardi said last night.

To win this game, the Yankees are turning to their rookie starter, Luis Severino, who’s 21 years old and has been terrific since he came up from Triple-A.

ut his one truly bad start was against this very Blue Jays lineup.

“I need to get the ball down,” Severino told Andrew Marchand. “They hit mistake pitches. The last time I was just throwing. This time, I’m going to pitch.”

The Yankees have long praised Severino’s poise, and Girardi did so again today by comparing him to Andy Pettitte. It is, in so many ways, an absurd comparison. One of Pettitte’s strengths was his longevity and track record — he proved himself time and time again, in any and every situation. Severino has less than two months of big league experience.

But Girardi knew Pettitte when Pettitte was young, and Girardi’s well aware that such a comparison is absurdly high praise. Girardi made the comparison anyway, saying he sees similarities in temperament and competitiveness. There’s little doubt the Yankees believe in Severino and see the potential for greatness.

They could use a little of that greatness tonight.

Associated Press photo

The post Pregame notes: “This time, I’m going to pitch” appeared first on The LoHud Yankees Blog.

from lloydcurry1 http://ift.tt/1QwVVf4