Severino returns to the mound Tuesday night

The American League East is all but wrapped up at this point, with the magic number for the Yankees to clinch sitting at three. Even after a subpar series against the Toronto Blue Jays in which , there is plenty of hope for the Yankees going forward.

Dellin Betances pitched a scoreless inning in Toronto. Jordan Montgomery, although not effective in his return, pitched in the majors for the first time since his Tommy John surgery almost two full seasons ago.

Perhaps the most positive sign of good things to come is the return of Luis Severino, the Yankees ace who has been out of action since Spring Training with a strained lat muscle in his pitching shoulder. Severino will start Tuesday night’s game against the Los Angeles Angels and will be on a strict pitch count.

The return of Severino means that although the Yankees still have a plethora of injuries, they have a few more options than they used to. No one knows how Sevy will pitch in his return, but seeing his name on the scorecard should make every Yankee fan happy.

Severino is one of the best young pitchers in the game when healthy, so his return to the Yankees’ rotation is vital for their playoff hopes. Sevy’s return is the peak in what has been a very difficult season injury wise.

The Yankees are by no means a healthy team, but having one of their best relievers and their best starter from last season is a good way to go into the playoffs. With just 11 games left in the season, this is the time to get some practice in before it really matters. If Giancarlo Stanton can return soon, get him in too. Luis Severino is back. How effective he will be is remained to be seen.