Noah Rosenstein
Updated on: October 16, 2024 5:08 am GMT
As the playoffs ignite, excitement surrounds the New York Mets and their ace pitcher Luis Severino, who is poised to make history. After navigating a tense doubleheader that clinched their postseason berth, Severino is set to start Game 1 of the National League Wild Card Series against the Milwaukee Brewers—a momentous occasion for the right-hander who sees this opportunity as a chance for redemption.
Severino’s Journey to the Playoffs
Severino, now 30, enjoyed a robust season, starting 31 games with a commendable 3.91 earned run average (ERA) over 182 innings. His transition from the New York Yankees to the Mets this season has revitalized his career. “That would have been bad for us,” Severino reflected about not pitching on Monday in the doubleheader. With the team’s winning momentum, he can now focus entirely on making a mark in the playoffs.
Severino has acknowledged the significance of his upcoming start. “It means that I have been healthy all year and healthy to compete in the playoffs,” he said. His ability to stay injury-free is crucial for the Mets as they head into a high-stakes series against the Brewers. With the playoffs finally here, Severino’s confidence is palpable.
The First Meeting with the Brewers
Severino’s previous encounter with the Brewers was challenging. “That probably was not my best stuff,” he noted, recalling his earlier performance against the team at Citi Field. In that game, he allowed six runs in five innings, facing issues with his key pitch, the sweeper. A two-run homer from Rhys Hoskins marked a low point in that outing. However, he is determined to rise to the occasion this time.
With the date of their postseason battle set, the Mets and Brewers are both coming off spirited completions to the regular season, heightening the anticipation. The series will kick off at 5:32 p.m. ET, with Severino going head-to-head against Brewers’ pitcher Freddy Peralta. The familiarity between these teams, stemming from their late-season matchups, adds an extra layer of intrigue to the playoff atmosphere.
A Unique Moment in Baseball History
As Severino takes the mound, this start will mark a unique chapter in his baseball journey. He will become the fourth player to pitch in the postseason for both the Mets and the Yankees, joining the ranks of notable players like David Cone, Dwight Gooden, and Kenny Rogers. Severino’s career arc has been a rollercoaster ride, from starring for the Yankees to stepping into the spotlight with the Mets.
After signing a one-year, $13 million deal with the Mets last winter, Severino has shown his value, contributing to the team’s playoff push. This transition has not only revitalized his career but also brought him back into contention after enduring Tommy John surgery, which sidelined him in 2020.
The Stakes in Game 1
Both teams face immense pressure in this playoff series, with Severino aiming to establish his legacy in the postseason. Despite struggling in past playoff outings with the Yankees, his experience could serve him well. In 11 playoff games, Severino holds a 1-4 record with a 5.15 ERA. Learning from those experiences, he hopes to lead his new team farther into the playoffs.
Freddy Peralta, the Brewers’ starter, brings his own playoff experience, having struck out 200 batters during the regular season. He has historically struggled in postseason play, holding a 0-1 record and a 3.46 ERA over four games. The matchup presents an intriguing clash of both pitchers’ strengths as they seek to assert dominance early in the series.
The Path Forward
As Severino prepares for the game, all eyes will be on his performance—the stakes are high, but so are the rewards. With a high-stakes postseason at hand, the Mets’ hopes largely rest on his shoulders. The playoff environment will test his skills and composure, pushing him to exceed past expectations.
Not only does this game offer a chance for Severino to prove himself, but it also highlights the potential for the Mets to reclaim their status in Major League Baseball. A successful outing could be the catalyst for an extended playoff run.
The Mets are getting ready to play the Brewers in the Wild Card Series, and everyone can feel the excitement in the air. Fans can’t wait to see if Severino can step up and help the Mets win. This is a big chance for him to shine and show what he can do on such an important stage in baseball history.
