The New York Yankees seem to have a tradition of keeping around underachievers. It’s a thing of integrity when teams give their struggling players chances, but where is the limit? With next to no offensive power, all hopes have been pinned on defense this year. But a struggling Luis Severino has fans calling for his head. Instead, they believe another could fill in for him.
Earlier this year, the club let go of Aaron Hicks but only after a horrendous year in 2022 and early 2023. Josh Donaldson is still here, although he has spent more time on the IL than in Pinstripes this year. Even then, his performance left much to be desired. Isiah Kiner-Falefa was in a similar situation at the beginning of the season, but he won hearts after an improved performance. In fact, fans are rooting for IKF rather than Sevy.
New York Yankees Fans Call For Isiah Kiner-Falefa Instead of Luis Severino
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In terms of pitching, Gerrit Cole is quite the phenomenon but Shohei Ohtani is also in a league of his own. There’s no one quite like Sho-time, and probably never will be, despite the Babe Ruth comparisons. But while his impending free agency has no concrete conclusion yet, Bronx fans are calling for who they believe is the current Ohtani in New York.
Petition to have IKF pitch Tuesday Instead of Severino #RepBX
— Paul (@BabbleBronx) August 12, 2023
After a tough beginning to 2023, Isiah Kiner-Falefa has pulled up his performance as a utility player. Just a few weeks ago, he displayed an Ohtani-like talent when he pitched against the Seattle Mariners, striking out Eugenio Suarez. In the same game, IKF also homered, giving the Yankees their only runs in a 10-2 loss.
It was an iconic moment that has fans wishing he would pitch instead of Luis Severino. He is scheduled to start against the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday, an extremely well-performing team in 2023. Not to mention Matt Olson, who just surpassed Ohtani’s league-leading home runs at 42.
While Severino may be scheduled to play as a replacement for Nestor Cortes Jr., who just went on the IL again, fans would much rather see IKF.
Bronx Fans Proudly Label IKF as Their Shohei Ohtani
The Yankees may be bent on giving as many chances as they can to Sevy, but fans have had enough. The ace seems to have fallen upon hard times but instead of letting him off one way or another, the club is still making him play. Yankee fans would much rather see IKF, who they’ve labeled their Ohtani.
Our Ohtani
— EBURONSON (@EBURONSON) August 13, 2023
Most don’t want to see Sevy.
It’s gonna be battling practice with Sevy.
— Chris Zmick (@CZOctober25) August 12, 2023
Anyone else but Sevy
— R.ScottTilley (@Yankeeslibero7) August 12, 2023
Some were rooting for Kiner-Falefa too.
Let’s go IKF. He pitches on Tuesday, and also catch AT THE SAME TIME !
— Jose Chalas (@JoseChalas12) August 13, 2023
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I vote yay
— Tug302 (@Tug3021) August 12, 2023
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IKF may not be a perfect pitcher but right now, he seems unlikely to give up as many home runs as Severino. What do you think? IKF or Sevy against the Braves?
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