By Mauricio Segura May 29, 2025
Photo: Mauricio Segura - GBT / Luis Severino pitching against the Cubs on April 1, 2025
On May 28, 2025, Luis Severino etched his name into Major League Baseball's record books by recording his 1,000th career strikeout. The milestone came in the first inning against Houston Astros star Jose Altuve, a fitting opponent for such a momentous achievement. The 31-year-old right-hander, now pitching for the Athletics, delivered a sweeping 85.8 mph pitch that Altuve couldn’t connect with, marking a significant personal and professional triumph.
Born on February 20, 1994, in Sabana de la Mar, Dominican Republic, Severino signed with the New York Yankees as an international free agent in 2011. He made his MLB debut in 2015 and quickly rose to prominence. By 2017 and 2018, Severino had become a two-time All-Star, posting 230 and 220 strikeouts respectively, and establishing himself as one of the American League’s premier pitchers .
However, his ascent was interrupted by injuries. A rotator cuff issue limited him to just three starts in 2019, and Tommy John surgery sidelined him for the entire 2020 season and most of 2021. Reflecting on this period, Severino admitted, “I wish I could have learned how to take care of my body when I was younger. I was feeling, you know, young and [thought I had to] just go out there and compete”.
After struggling with the Yankees in 2023, Severino signed a one-year, $13 million deal with the New York Mets for the 2024 season. He rebounded impressively, making 31 starts and recording an 11-7 record with a 3.91 ERA. His performance caught the attention of the Oakland Athletics, who signed him to a three-year, $67 million contract, the largest guaranteed sum in the franchise's history .
In 2025, Severino has continued to be a reliable presence on the mound. Through 12 starts, he has posted a 3.89 ERA over 71.2 innings, with 54 strikeouts and a WHIP of 1.23 . His leadership has been instrumental for the A's, particularly for a pitching staff that skews young. Manager Mark Kotsay praised Severino, stating, “He goes out and takes the ball every fifth day and has conviction. Even when his starts at times haven’t been great, he’s still finished five or six innings for us. That’s leadership in itself”
Reaching 1,000 career strikeouts is a milestone that underscores both talent and longevity. Severino's journey to this point has been anything but linear, marked by early success, significant setbacks, and a determined comeback. His first career strikeout came against Xander Bogaerts, and now, a decade later, his 1,000th against Jose Altuve serves as a testament to his resilience and adaptability .
Severino himself acknowledged the significance of the achievement, saying, “I feel like that number should have been done years ago. I haven’t been healthy, but now I am. I’m glad that I’ve done it. A lot of guys can’t get to that number. That means you’ve been pitching for a long time, so you’re happy” .
Luis Severino's career is a narrative of perseverance, growth, and reinvention. From his early days as a promising talent in the Yankees organization to his current role as a veteran leader with the Athletics, Severino has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his craft. His 1,000th strikeout is not just a personal milestone but a symbol of his enduring impact on the game and an inspiration to both teammates and fans alike.
As he continues to pitch for the A's, Severino's journey serves as a reminder that success in baseball, as in life, often requires resilience, adaptability, and an unyielding spirit.
