Luis Severino and Dellin Betances inching closer toward returns

Nearing the midpoint of August, the Yankees haven’t gotten a pitch from Luis Severino and Dellin Betances.

Both right-handers seemingly inched closer to making their season debuts with bullpens that went well on Monday as they come back from lat strains.

Severino said he threw 29 pitches in his second session, including fastballs, sliders and changeups, while Betances had a 20-pitch session that included 17 fastballs and three breaking balls.

While each was encouraged by how they felt, Betances said the biggest challenge for him was his mindset since suffering the lat strain that sidetracked his season.

“It’s more about trusting that the area is gonna be good,” Betances said before the Yankees played the Orioles in a split doubleheader Monday in The Bronx.

“I felt fine today, so I was happy with that,” Betances added. “This is the first time being hurt in the big leagues. It’s been frustrating, but the fun part is about to start, so I’ll be back for that.”

That’s the Yankees’ plan, especially after they didn’t add an arm at the trade deadline last month.

“That’s the confidence they have in me and [Severino],” Betances said. “For us, the biggest thing is getting back. The other guys put us where we are right now. It’s been fun to watch, but we want to be on the field with them.”

Betances and Severino are expected to throw bullpens again Thursday, with Betances going to 25 pitches. He added he doesn’t expect to need to be built up much more than that.

Severino’s situation figures to be more complicated, since he still anticipates joining the rotation at some point.

If Severino’s bullpen goes well Thursday, Aaron Boone said he could face hitters in live batting practice on Sunday.

The roster expansion on Sept. 1 will make it easier to bring Severino along gradually, and Boone liked what he saw Monday.

“I thought he looked really good,” the manager said. “He continues to feel strong. [He’s] fun to watch throw. He’s special. I thought [the ball] was coming out really well. His change-up had a good… It was a really good sign for him in his second bullpen, after having general fatigue and soreness after his first bullpen, to just roll right into this and look like [Severino] was nice.”

Severino hoped he might be able to pitch in a rehab or simulated game — or two — after the Yankees leave for the West Coast next week, and he’s not concerned about having to come back just as the team heads into the playoff chase.

“Since I got here, everything has been like that,” Severino said of the expectations. “If it’s a regular game against Boston, it’s the same. It’s gonna be like every year.”

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