Luis Severino to start wild-card game for Yankees

In the category of dog-bites-man news, Luis Severino has been lined up to start next Tuesday’s AL wild-card game.

“Yes,” Joe Girardi said, confirming the plan that never was in doubt.

Girardi disclosed his rotation for the coming week after Monday afternoon’s victory over the Royals, saying lefthander Jordan Montgomery would start Tuesday against the Rays, followed by Severino on Wednesday and righthander Sonny Gray on Thursday.

That would mean Severino, 13-6 with a 3.03 ERA, will start the wild-card game on five days’ rest, something the 23-year-old has said is a preference of his when possible.

Masahiro Tanaka will start Friday against Toronto.

Checking in

Todd Frazier said he continues to be in contact with the father of the young girl he hit with a screaming line drive last Wednesday.

“We’ve been texting back and forth,” said Frazier, who also has spoken by phone with the father. “He said she’s doing a lot better. The hard stuff is behind now and hopefully she’ll be getting out [of the hospital], hopefully today, so we’ll see how that goes. I’ve still been praying for her every day and hoping for the best.”

There was no additional netting up at the Stadium. There are indications the Yankees will take that step before the start of next season, though nothing has been made official.

Good company

CC Sabathia won his 236th game Monday, tying Whitey Ford for 60th place on the all-time list. The 37-year-old improved to 13-5 with a 3.84 ERA, including 4-0 with a 3.32 ERA in his last seven starts.

Worth the time

For the seventh straight year the Yankees are joining with New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center, Weill Cornell Medicine and Ed Randall’s Fans for the Cure (fans4thecure.org) and offering free screening for prostate cancer before Tuesday night’s game against the Rays. Ticketed male fans 40 years and older can visit Section 220 starting at 5 p.m. for screenings.