How long is Luis Severino out? Injury timeline, return date, latest updates on Yankees starter

Spring training this year has been anything but kind to the Yankees.

After Frankie Montas lost most of the season and Carlos Rodon was placed on the injured list, New York is grappling with another injury to a key starter. Luis Severino will also start the season at IL, leaving the Yankees short of three starting pitchers in their opening-week rotation.

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Severino is dealing with a weak lat load that isn’t likely to be a big problem but will leave the right-hander out for the time being. Given Severino’s injury history, the Yankees will likely play it safe with him.

Here’s what you need to know about Severino’s injury schedule and potential return date:

Luis Severino’s injury schedule

Red flags were raised throughout the spring as Severino struggled with a 9.00 ERA in five starts. The right-hander was scratched from his last spring training start on March 25, and manager Aaron Boone later revealed Severino was likely to be picked up by the IL.

Severino told reporters on Sunday that he didn’t think the injury was serious but would not throw until he was pain free.

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Considering he was dealing with an injury to the same lat last season and missed two months, there’s no reason for Severino to rush back even as the Yankees’ rotation continues to thin.

When could Luis Severino return from injury?

The Yankees have not set a timeline for Severino’s return. Based on comments from Severino himself, a prolonged absence is not expected. He told reporters that this strain is in a different place than last year and is not as severe.

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While it might only be a turn or two in the rotation before Severino starts throwing again, it will take him some time to build up his arm before he joins the major league rotation. That means an April return could be closer later in the month than earlier, even if his recovery goes smoothly.

Luis Severino’s injury history

Unfortunately for him and the Yankees, Severino has a long history of injuries that will force the Yankees to be careful with the right-hander.

2016: Triceps inflammation

Severino started 2016 with a lot of hype after an impressive start to his career in 2015, but he struggled mightily and missed time with a triceps infection.

Despite the setback, Severino managed to enjoy a full season in both 2017 and 2018 as he anchored the Yankees’ rotation.

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2019: rotator cuff inflammation, strained latch

Severino was limited to three starts in 2019. He was diagnosed with rotator cuff infection during spring training and was later placed on the IL with a strained latch.

Severino didn’t recover from the lat strain until the end of the regular season, which may cause some concern for Yankees fans as he struggles with a similar injury this spring.

2020: Tommy John surgery

Severino was hoping to return in full force in 2020 but learned in late February he would need elbow surgery at the end of the season. It was a devastating blow to the Yankees so early in the spring. While much of the season was wiped out by the COVID-19 pandemic, Severino didn’t return until late 2021.

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2021: groin strain

The Yankees played it safe with Severino in his recovery from Tommy John’s surgery, but he still suffered a setback during a rehab start when he suffered a groin strain. The injury pushed Severino from a mid-season return to a late-season return in September.

2022: Lat tribe

Severino’s first 12-plus innings season since 2018 was mostly a success as he posted a 3.18 ERA in 19 starts, but a nearly two-month absence with a lat strain prevented the right-hander from putting in a full work.

On his return, he didn’t miss a beat and ended the regular season with seven innings without a win against the Rangers. So there’s reason to believe that Severino can get up to speed quickly this year once he’s healthy.