Luis Severino is locked in as wild-card game starter

The prospect of starting someone other than Luis Severino in the wild-card game might make for good talk-show fodder, but it’s not something the Yankees and Joe Girardi are considering.

“I think that’s pretty risky,” Girardi said before Tuesday night’s game, “because you’re in the one-game playoff and the season’s over if you don’t win that game, that’s the bottom line.”

The theory bandied about goes somewhat like this: A team that is an overwhelming favorite in the wild-card game, such as the Yankees will be against the Twins, starts someone other than their ace. That would make said ace available to start Game 1 of the Division Series.

“To me, that’s awful risky,” Girardi repeated.

As for another topic making the rounds, utilizing his deep stable of relievers to make the wild card a “bullpen game,” Girardi said, no.

“You could do that but that’s not something you’ve done during the course of the season,” Girardi said. “And we have some starters who are pretty qualified to make that start. You want to treat it like a regular game when it starts. There are some things you might do a little different once you get into it, but if you start doing crazy things, things guys aren’t used to, then I’m just not comfortable doing it. You want to keep it as normal as possible.”

n Hicks returns, Warren soon

Aaron Hicks (strained oblique) was activated from the DL and robbed Wilson Ramos of a grand slam in the first inning, reaching over the wall in right-center to turn it into a sacrifice fly. RHP Adam Warren threw a two-inning simulated game and reported no issues. Girardi said Warren will be activated soon.

n Tyson makes the rounds

Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson was a popular visitor during batting practice, taking photos with many of those wearing pinstripes, including Girardi, Gary Sanchez, Starlin Castro and Clint Frazier.