Judge is looking forward to seeing Severino, but not from the batter’s box

When the Mets decided not to start Luis Severino in the Subway Series opener Tuesday night at Citi Field, one of his former teammates broke out into a big smile.

Aaron Judge would rather not face Severino just yet

“I don’t need to see him anymore,” Judge said Saturday before the Yankees hosted Atlanta at Yankee Stadium. “I saw him a lot during spring training. In 2022, during the lockout, we had the opportunity to meet on a high school field and get a few at-bats.

Don’t misunderstand Judge: He’s excited to “see” Severino before Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s games. He just doesn’t have to face Severino, who the Mets decided to start against the Cubs in Chicago on Sunday, while David Peterson pitched against the Yankees on Tuesday.

“He’s a great pitcher,” Judge said of his former teammate. “He’s got electrical stuff. I wish he was still doing his thing in pinstripes.

Severino, 30, created the Yankees and pitched for them from 2015-23. Last season he went 4-8 with a 6.65 ERA and 1.65 WHIP. After signing a one-year, $13 million free-agent contract with the Mets, he is 4-2 with a 3.52 ERA and 1.20 WHIP in 14 starts in a bounce-back season.

“He was on the first team I played for in Low-A Charleston,” Judge said. “To see him evolve into the man he is today, the player he is, has been incredible to watch. I think over the last few seasons, dealing with injuries, I feel like he’s a guy who tried to rush back because he wanted to be there for the team. I think it might have hurt him a little.

“Now the results are appearing like the Severino we all know. Like I said, I wish he wore pinstripes and did that, but he’s still in New York. He loved it here. We all loved him here. Have a lot of respect for him. One of my favorite teammates to play with.”

The second Subway Series takes place July 23-24 at Yankee Stadium, so there will be another opportunity.

“I’ll definitely see him on the road,” Judge said. “I know we’re going to face each other and I’m looking forward to the match.”