WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Nobody knew.
The Yankees gave Luis Severino a starting rotation spot in spring training 2017 based off mostly a hunch. Sure, the right-hander's stuff was top notch, but guys like that are like oxygen -- they're everywhere. Severino would have to show he could actually pitch, too, and to that point, it was a major question.
"It was stuff over pitchability," Vice President of Baseball Operations Tim Naehring said Sunday at Progressive Field in Cleveland. "Now, it's stuff plus pitchability."
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That difference is what led Severino to get his second All-Star nod and, as it was announced Monday afternoon, come in perhaps a close second as the starter for the American League squad.