Luis Severino expected to start season on IL in Yankees injury blow

TAMPA — Luis Severino is back in an all-too-familiar spot: injured.

Less than a week away from Opening Day, Severino has been shut down with a low-grade right lat strain, Aaron Boone said Saturday morning.

The Yankees were still trying to determine how long Severino would be a no-throw for, but it is likely going to land him on the injured list to start the season.

Severino missed two months last season with what was initially described as a low-grade lat strain.

Sunday would have been Severino’s normal day to start in what was supposed to be his final start of the spring.

When asked on Friday when he was starting next, Severino said he did not know yet.

Pitching coach Matt Blake had also said on Friday that the Yankees were considering having Severino start on his sixth day this time through, which would have been Monday.

Instead, Severino will not make another start this spring.

He last pitched on Tuesday, which was his best start in camp, giving up two runs over four innings with nine strikeouts.

In five starts this spring, the right-hander had a 9.00 ERA with six home runs allowed.

The Yankees’ rotation and shaky starting pitching depth behind it had already been taken a few hits this spring with Frankie Montas undergoing shoulder surgery and Carlos Rodon having a forearm muscle strain.

Now, the Yankees may need to call on the likes of Randy Vasquez (who is starting Saturday against the Phillies), Yoendrys Gomez or Jhony Brito.

The Yankees could also be in the trade market for a starter, with Gleyber Torres among the candidates to be dealt.

Clarke Schmidt is now expected to start the second game of the regular season.