Role unclear, but Severino delivering on promise

NEW YORK — Luis Severino has made it clear that his preference would be to be in the starting rotation, and the Yankees say that is still where they envision him long term. But for the moment, the young right-hander has become an extremely valuable weapon out of the bullpen.

Severino made his sixth relief appearance of the year in Wednesday’s 2-0 victory over the Blue Jays, firing three scoreless, one-hit innings. In 14 1/3 innings out of the bullpen, Severino is guarding a 0.00 ERA with six walks and 16 strikeouts.

“His mentality is a little bit different,” catcher Brian McCann said. “He attacks a little bit more, and obviously with the velocity sitting there at 98, 99 [mph]. He’s a starter, though. He’s got the mentality of a starter, he’s got the stuff of a starter and he just needs more reps.”

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The Yankees didn’t expect to be in this position after Severino excelled in 11 late-season starts last year, going 5-3 with a 2.89 ERA. Opening the season in New York’s rotation, Severino was hammered to an 0-8 record and 8.58 ERA in nine starts, and general manager Brian Cashman said that a subpar changeup was the most glaring problem.

“The one thing we can’t forget on him is …

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