Luis Severino's absence will be longer than initially anticipated.

New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman revealed Friday that the All-Star right-hander, who was shut down early in spring training due to an inflamed rotator cuff, is now expected to miss the entire month of April.

"I would say you're looking at May at the earliest," Cashman told reporters, according to Newsday's Anthony Rieber. "He's going to have to start from scratch and have his spring training. So, again, at the very earliest, a May date we're talking about. I can't tell you past that."

A doctor is scheduled to examine Severino again Tuesday, Cashman told Randy Miller of NJ.com.

The 25-year-old was diagnosed with the injury shortly after being scratched from a scheduled Grapefruit League outing on March 5. He was initially expected to miss just two weeks, but the injury took him out of the running to start Opening Day and he's yet to resume throwing.

Severino, who said he should resume throwing next week, understands why New York is delaying his return.

"I just want to be healthy and help my team," he told MLB.com's Bryan Hoch.

The Yankees signed Severino, who posted a 3.39 ERA last season, to a four-year, $40-million extension weeks before he suffered the injury.

Severino is far from the only Yankee battling injuries this spring. Veteran left-hander CC Sabathia, who had offseason heart surgery, won't be ready for game action until April, Cashman said Friday. New York may have him start the season on the active roster anyway in order to serve his five-game suspension.

Luis Cessa, Domingo German, and Jonathan Loaisiga are candidates to fill the vacant rotation spots in April. The team will also consider using an opener, Cashman said, according to Kristie Ackert of the New York Daily News.

Outfielder Aaron Hicks, meanwhile, is battling a lingering back injury and Cashman said it's looking more likely he'll open 2019 on the injured list.