Even in Victory, Severino Demands Excellence Amid Early Inning Struggles
Even in Victory, Severino Demands Excellence Amid Early Inning Struggles
Following a high-octane 11-inning victory over the Chicago White Sox, Athletics starter Luis Severino was far from celebratory regarding his own performance. Despite his team’s 7-6 comeback win on Saturday, Severino was vocal about the need for better execution in the early stages of games. The right-hander survived a nightmare second inning where he surrendered five runs, eventually settling down to provide 5.1 innings of work in what ultimately became a no-decision.
Severino’s afternoon started with a jolt when Colson Montgomery took his first pitch of the second inning over the wall for a solo home run. The situation spiraled quickly as the White Sox combined a bloop single from Reese McGuire with a crushing three-run homer by Andrew Benintendi. While Severino managed to shut down the Chicago offense for the remainder of his outing, the early damage left the Athletics in a 5-0 hole that required an extra-inning miracle to overcome.
The Mental Grind of a Veteran Starter
Currently sporting a 6.20 ERA through 24.2 innings this season, Severino has been a study in contrast. While his strikeout numbers remain respectable, he has struggled with consistency in his home starts at Sutter Health Park. On Saturday, he allowed five hits and four walks while striking out three. The veteran acknowledged after the game that while the team's comeback was inspiring, he cannot continue to put the bullpen in such demanding positions so early in the contest.
However, there were flashes of the elite arm the Athletics hoped for when they signed him. After the five-run explosion in the second, Severino retired 10 of the next 12 batters he faced, showcasing a heavy sinker and a sharp slider that kept the White Sox off-balance. His ability to navigate the third through fifth innings allowed the Sacramento offense, led by Jacob Wilson and Nick Kurtz, to slowly mount their comeback.
Rotation Depth and the Path Forward
The Athletics' rotation has been a point of concern early in the 2026 season, and Severino is expected to be the anchor. With a 11-10 record, Sacramento is exceeding expectations, but to sustain this pace in the competitive AL West, the starting staff must improve. Severino is scheduled to face the Texas Rangers in his next outing, a matchup that will test his ability to limit the long ball against a high-powered divisional rival.
Manager Mark Kotsay remains supportive of his veteran right-hander, noting that Severino's poise after the second inning was the reason the team stayed in the game. As the Athletics look to sweep the White Sox on Sunday, the focus remains on starting fast and avoiding the early-inning lapses that have characterized the first month of the season.
