Why Yankees' Luis Severino hasn't asked for Pedro Martinez's help

Yes, Yankees starting pitcher Luis Severino has a good

NEW YORK — Yes, before the 2017 season, Luis Severino spent several days working out with Pedro Martinez in their native Dominican Republic.

And, yes, Severino went on to finish third in the American League Cy Young race.

But, no, Severino doesn’t exactly keep Martinez on speed dial as his own personal pitching coach. Even when the Yankees ace is struggling.

“He’s a very busy guy,” Severino said, “I don’t want to bother him. And I have a very good pitching coach here.”

Severino was speaking Friday, less than a day before he was scheduled to face the Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium.

Severino has had a rough stretch that has started speculation as to whether he should be the pick to stat if the Yankees reach the American League Wild Card Game.

They’re slated to host it, with a three-game lead over the A’s for the top spot going into Friday.

Don’t give up on Bird

Over his last six starts, Severino has a 1-4 record with a 7.84 ERA. Before that, he was on a Cy Young pace, going 14-2 with a 2.12 ERA in 19 starts. He made his second All-Star Game appearance this season.

Severino said he feels good and that he’s not fatigued. He added that he believes he’s made progress since his four-run, four-inning dud against the Mets on Monday, “but we’ll see tomorrow,” Severino said, half-jokingly.

Severino has also said he has a good relationship with Martinez, a Hall of Famer, and that they occasionally keep in touch and talk about life.

Manager Aaron Boone and pitching coach Larry Rothschild each have said they don’t believe Severino is injured or that he needs rest. Boone said that Severino could get as much as two days’ rest before his start after Saturday, thanks to a pair of off days built into the Yankees’ schedule next week.

Rothschild has said he believes Severino’s priamry problem has been simple: fastball location. He added that he didn’t think it would be necessary to skip Severino’s turn in the rotation considering the 12-day rest the Yankees gave him around the All-Star break.

Brendan Kuty may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @BrendanKutyNJ. Find NJ.com Yankees on Facebook.