The traditional rhythms of the baseball season often take unexpected turns, and for the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Angels, Tuesday night was no exception. In the Bronx, an anticipated game was washed out, compelling both teams to reassess their starting rotations.
This unscheduled pause followed a day off for the Yankees on Monday, giving them an extended break. Yankees manager Aaron Boone responded to the new circumstances by deciding to skip Marcus Stroman's scheduled start. Stroman, who last pitched on Friday, is now slated to return to the mound on Sunday, August 11, benefiting from an unusually long eight days of rest.
Boone's Strategic Adjustments
Boone's decision is not without strategic merit. "I just felt like there'd be some benefit in Stro having a couple of bullpens to work through some things," Boone explained. His remarks suggest a well-thought-out plan aimed at rejuvenating Stroman, who has had a mixed season thus far.
The Yankees, currently holding a 67-46 record and leading the AL East by a narrow half-game margin, will face the challenge of a doubleheader on Wednesday. With Luis Gil, Nestor Cortes, Carlos Rodón, and Gerrit Cole available, Boone can approach the doubleheader with flexibility and a strategic mindset. Will Warren is expected to take the ball for the second game on Wednesday, aligning the Yankees’ rotation for the coming days.
Stroman's Roller-Coaster Season
Stroman has experienced a season full of highs and lows. His performance in the first 14 starts of the season was notable, boasting a 6-2 record with a commendable 2.82 ERA. However, his form has dipped in his last eight starts, managing just one win against four losses and an elevated ERA of 6.87.
Recent outings have been particularly shaky. Against Boston, Stroman allowed five runs on nine hits across just 3 1/3 innings. His game against the Toronto Blue Jays was even more disappointing, where he gave up seven runs on eight hits over a short span of 2 2/3 innings. One of the factors contributing to his recent struggles could be the slight dip in his fourseam fastball velocity, which averaged 88.8 miles per hour compared to his season average of 89.8 mph.
Manager Confidence
Despite these challenges, Boone remains confident in Stroman’s potential for a strong comeback. "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," Boone elaborated.
The Yankees’ manager appears to be banking on Stroman’s resilience and ability to capitalize on the extended rest period. This adjustment allows Stroman the time to refine his strategy and work on his mechanics, which Boone believes will yield positive results.
The Road Ahead
In the immediate future, the Yankees face a packed schedule and must navigate it with precision. The doubleheader against the Angels demands tactical rotation management, and Boone's configuration aims to keep his key pitchers fresh for the critical matchups ahead.
In summary, the unexpected rainout in the Bronx has prompted the Yankees to make some significant adjustments to their pitching rotation. With Aaron Boone's strategic planning and a focus on giving Marcus Stroman the necessary time to recalibrate, the Yankees are set to tackle the upcoming schedule with renewed vigor and a carefully considered approach.