While the Yankees will be without injured ace Luis Severino for a while longer, he took a big step on Wednesday toward a return, throwing on flat ground.

Severino had been shut down since March 5, and GM Brian Cashman announced last Friday that the best-case scenario for Severino would be a May return -- confirming the timeline an orthopedic surgeon gave SNY earlier this month.

The 25-year-old Severino does not have any structural damage in his shoulder, but he is basically re-starting his Spring Training as the team prepares for Opening Day in just over a week.

The injury to Severino is being compounded by the fact that CC Sabathia -- who started his Spring Training work late after having a heart procedure earlier in the offseason -- is not expected to return until mid-April. And that will also come after he serves a five-game suspension stemming from an on-field incident last season.

With both Severino and Sabathia out, the Yankees are expected to go into the season with a starting rotation featuring Masahiro Tanaka, James Paxton, J.A. Happ, and Luis Cessa.

As far as who rounds out the rotation, it could be recently-signed Gio Gonzalez, whose deal is heavily incentive-based. The 33-year-old recently threw 88 pitches in a simulated game.

If Gonzalez isn't ready, it the likeliest options for the Yankees will be Domingo German or Jonathan Loaisiga.

HARPER: Yankees should consider long-term deal with Aaron Judge before price reaches Angels' Mike Trout range >> Read More

Popular in the Community