TAMPA — As far as auditions go, Jhony Brito’s was just about perfect.
Brito retired all 16 batters he faced Sunday, making the most of a spring spot start that could amount to beginning the season as the Yankees’ fifth starter.
With Luis Severino likely headed for the injured list because of a strained lat, Brito came back over from minor league camp to start Sunday’s game against the Blue Jays and dazzled across 5 ¹/₃ perfect innings.
The 25-year-old right-hander struck out the first three batters he faced and then recorded 10 of the final 13 outs on the ground.
“It felt like a big opportunity,” Brito said through an interpreter. “It was a great way for them to see if I can keep being the pitcher I’ve been in camp and in my career: somebody that attacks the zone. Really good opportunity to show what I can do and how I can pitch when facing hitters.”
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Brito is now a candidate to start the third game of the regular season Sunday against the Giants at Yankee Stadium, though the Yankees have not yet made that official.
Gerrit Cole and Clarke Schmidt are scheduled to pitch the first two games with Nestor Cortes and Domingo German lined up for Games 4 and 5.
Flashing a fastball that sat around 95-97 mph and a strong changeup that he used to record all three strikeouts, Brito worked quickly and efficiently against a Blue Jays lineup that featured three projected starters and three bench players.
The Yankees were hoping Brito could work into the fourth inning but he pitched so efficiently that he worked into the sixth, needing just 58 pitches (43 strikes).
“Just really happy the way he came out and pounded the zone,” manager Aaron Boone said. “You see the fastball-changeup combo is really good. He was able to land his breaking ball when he needed to.”
And if Brito was feeling any pressure because of what the start might lead to, he certainly didn’t show it, pitching with a poise that stood out to Boone.
“I think it matters,” Boone said. “He’s got our attention all camp. He’s earned a strong reputation in player development. He was very at ease doing what he was doing today. That was good to see.”