Severino to take on familiar foe in ALCS Game 2

HOUSTON -- Luis Severino had no issues shifting from party to game mode after the Yankees’ ALDS celebration late on Tuesday night. That was in part due to the quality of the clubhouse bubbly.

“The champagne was terrible,” Severino said with a smile, from the Minute Maid Park media conference room on Wednesday. “So I think that helped a little bit.”

Jokes aside, Severino is ready and eager to take the ball in Game 2 of the Yankees’ AL Championship Series matchup against the Astros on Thursday, looking to even the series before it shifts to Yankee Stadium. The righty follows Jameson Taillon, who started Wednesday’s 4-2 loss in Game 1, as New York began its campaign toward its first World Series appearance since 2009.

The moment’s magnitude is sobering in itself.

“I think everybody is ready,” said Severino. “I didn't see anybody drinking much. Like I said, the champagne was not great. But I think everybody's ready.”

This will be Severino’s second appearance of the 2022 postseason. The 28-year-old pitched 5 2/3 innings in Game 3 of the ALDS against Cleveland on Saturday, striking out six with no walks and three earned runs en route to a no-decision. Severino has yet to win a postseason game against the Astros in his career. The Dominican native has made three starts against Houston, recording a no-decision and a loss in ‘17 as well as a loss in ‘19.

In each of those years, the Astros toppled the Yankees on their way to the World Series -- and that feeling is still fresh for Severino.

“I think all the guys that have been here since then, they have to remember that,” Severino said. “They have to remember that feeling and try to not feel the same way this year, try to be better, try to go out there with that mentality and win games.”

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But his 2022 regular-season numbers against the Astros offer a boon of confidence for the Yankees.

Severino delivered two quality starts against Houston in June, holding a powerful lineup to a .186 batting average while allowing five runs over 12 innings despite two losses.

“[The Astros] are a team that doesn't strike out that much,” said Severino. “They put the ball in play. Like I said, they have power."

Yankees manager Aaron Boone has the ability to be flexible and creative with his rotation throughout the best-of-seven series.

Severino’s Game 2 start means Gerrit Cole will be on regular rest when the series shifts to New York for Games 3 through 5, with Nestor Cortes close behind after his ALDS Game 5 win on Tuesday. Though Frankie Montas is back on the roster, he’s expected to be used as a reliever while building back up from a shoulder injury.

Opposite Severino in Game 2 will be Astros lefty Framber Valdez.