NEW YORK -- Luis Severino is on the brink of his long-awaited return to the Major Leagues, and the Yankees hope that the right-hander can provide an electric jolt to their bullpen as the club pursues a postseason berth.

Severino has not pitched in a big league game since the 2019 American League Championship Series, having rehabbed from Tommy John surgery performed early in '20. Severino’s projected return was delayed this year by groin and right shoulder injuries, but he was reinstated from the 60-day injured list before Monday's series opener against the Rangers.

“His last live outing was two [innings] and 35 [pitches], so we view him from anything from an inning in some situations to possibly two- or three-inning scenarios that I think he’ll be able to handle,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said.

Severino, who tossed a live batting-practice session at Yankee Stadium on Friday, could represent a useful weapon as Boone navigates a taxed bullpen.

Right-hander Chad Green has shown signs of fatigue, surrendering a career-high 14 homers over 75 1/3 innings, and righty Jonathan Loáisiga remains on the injured list after being one of the club’s most effective relievers.

New York optioned right-hander Luis Gil to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre after Saturday’s 11-3 loss to the Indians. Outfielder Estevan Florial was recalled, though Boone indicated Florial's stay may not be long. Righty Sal Romano was released when Severino was activated.

Boone said he did not necessarily see Severino being used as an opener.

“I would never say never,” Boone said, “but hopefully moving forward, we’ve got our four or five starters that have been pitching in the rotation and we feel good about.

"I guess if you get down towards the end and you get into a playoff scenario, anything is possible. But first things first is getting him back and getting him in a big league game at some point.”

Right-hander Domingo Germán has made two relief appearances for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in the past week, permitting one run and four hits over four innings as he recovers from right shoulder inflammation. Boone said there is “a good chance” that Germán’s next appearance would be in the Majors as well.

“I think you understand our situation,” Boone said. “Whoever gives us the best chance in different situations. Sevy could be in those roles as well. They could be in a ton of different roles down there.”

This date in Yankees history
Sept. 19, 2011: Mariano Rivera pitched a perfect ninth inning in a 6-4 Yankees win over the Twins, notching his 602nd career save to surpass Trevor Hoffman’s previous mark of 601.