The rhythm of the baseball season often follows its own unpredictable beat, and for the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Angels, Tuesday night introduced one such melody. A rainout in the Bronx forced both teams to rethink their starting rotations, pushing them into a strategic dance.
For the Yankees, the rainout added complexity to what had already been an atypical week. Following a day off on Monday, Yankees manager Aaron Boone opted to skip Marcus Stroman's scheduled start. Stroman, who last pitched on Friday, will now take to the mound on Sunday, August 11. This adjustment offers Stroman an eight-day rest period, a rarity in the relentless grind of Major League Baseball.
The Doubleheader Challenge
The sudden change leads the Yankees into the daunting challenge of a doubleheader on Wednesday. With capable pitchers like Luis Gil, Nestor Cortes, Carlos Rodón, and Gerrit Cole in the mix, Boone approaches the doubleheader with flexibility and a strategic mindset. Will Warren is lined up to take the ball for the second game on Wednesday, showcasing the Yankees' depth in their bullpen.
Boone commented on the decision, stating, "I just felt like there'd be some benefit in Stro having a couple of bullpens to work through some things." He elaborated further, "I'm not too concerned about it. I pay attention to it, but I felt like he's in a pretty good place right now as far as some of the things he's been working through and some of the video he's looked at, then how his bullpen went [Tuesday]. So, no, not too concerned. And physically he feels good."
Stroman’s Recent Struggles
Boone’s caution seems warranted, as Stroman’s recent performance has seen a noticeable dip. To date, Stroman has posted a 6-2 record with a commendable 2.82 ERA over his first 14 starts. However, his most recent eight starts have been less favorable, yielding just one win contrasted by four losses, accompanied by an elevated ERA of 6.87.
In a recent outing against Boston, Stroman allowed five runs on nine hits over just 3 1/3 innings. This was followed by a rough start against the Toronto Blue Jays, where he gave up seven runs on eight hits in merely 2 2/3 innings. Notably, his fourseam fastball velocity averaged 88.8 miles per hour, a slight dip from his season average of 89.8 mph.
Yankees Eye the Future
As the Yankees navigate these adjustments, they stand strong with a 67-46 record, perched at the top of the AL East by a half-game margin. Boone's strategic deployment of pitchers not only positions the Yankees well for the doubleheader but also aligns their rotation for the crucial days ahead.
While the rain may have disrupted the usual rhythm, Boone's maneuvering demonstrates the hallmark of an experienced manager who can adapt and anticipate the evolving demands of a long season.
As the Yankees continue through the grueling schedule, the hope is that Stroman’s extended rest and focused bullpen sessions will help him return to his early-season form, bolstering a team with high aspirations. The resilience and flexibility shown by Boone and his squad will undoubtedly be key as they march towards their postseason ambitions.