Yankees' Starting Rotation Hit by Injury Bug Again

So much for the Yankees' good health from their starting rotation.

After finishing the second inning, Luis Severino took the field in the top of the third, but soon reversed course after throwing one warmup pitch and walking back to the dugout with his night over early. JP Sears entered from the bullpen to relieve him.

The Yankees said Severino has right shoulder tightness. He is set to be examined by team Dr. Christopher Ahmad and will undergo an MRI exam on Thursday.

In case Severino's dip in velocity hadn't been concerning enough, there were the results to the bottom three hitters of the Reds lineup in the second inning Wednesday night: back-to-back-to-back home runs.

Not long after the third homer landed in the seats, Yankees manager Aaron Boone and a trainer went to the mound to visit with Severino, who ultimately stayed in the game, but not for long.

Severino, who underwent Tommy John surgery in 2020, threw 43 pitches, leaving with a 4-0 deficit.

The right-hander's velocity was down on each of his four pitches, with his fastball averaging 94.1 mph - down from his season average of 96.1 mph.