The rhythms of a baseball season are often subject to the unpredictable whims of weather, and Tuesday night in the Bronx proved to be one of those rare occasions. The scheduled showdown between the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Angels was thwarted by a rainout, forcing both teams into a strategic rethink of their starting rotations.
This unexpected pause came on the heels of a day off for the Yankees on Monday, giving manager Aaron Boone an opportunity to make some key adjustments. One decision stood out among the rest: the choice to skip Marcus Stroman's scheduled start. Stroman, who has been a focal point of the Yankees' pitching staff, last took the mound on Friday, and Boone has decided to give him extra rest. Stroman is now set to return to action on Sunday, August 11, after an eight-day hiatus.
"I just felt like there'd be some benefit in Stro having a couple of bullpens to work through some things," Boone explained, underscoring the strategic underpinnings of this move.
The Challenge of a Doubleheader
Wednesday presents a new challenge for the Yankees—a doubleheader that will test the depth and flexibility of their pitching rotation. Fortunately for Boone, he has a wealth of talent to draw from. Luis Gil, Nestor Cortes, Carlos Ródon, and Gerrit Cole are all available, which allows the manager to approach the twin bill with a strategic mindset. Will Warren is slated to take the ball for the second game, underscoring the team's rotation alignment for the upcoming days.
Stroman's Recent Struggles
While Stroman's record of 6-2 with a 2.82 ERA over his first 14 starts this season is impressive, his recent performances have left much to be desired. In his last eight starts, he has secured just one win against four losses, with an elevated ERA of 6.87. His struggles were particularly evident in outings against Boston and the Toronto Blue Jays. Against Boston, Stroman allowed five runs on nine hits in just 3 1/3 innings. His performance against the Blue Jays was even more troubling, as he gave up seven runs on eight hits in just 2 2/3 innings.
One critical factor in Stroman's recent downturn could be his velocity. His fourseam fastball has averaged 88.8 miles per hour, slightly below his season average of 89.8 mph. Despite these challenges, Boone remains optimistic about Stroman's ability to bounce back.
"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 asserted, emphasizing his confidence in the pitcher's recovery and return to form.
The Yankees' Current Standing
As the Yankees navigate these adjustments, they do so from a position of strength. With a 67-46 record, they occupy the top spot in the AL East, maintaining a narrow half-game margin over their closest competitors. This strong standing provides a buffer, allowing Boone and his team some flexibility in managing player workloads and rotation schedules.
The upcoming doubleheader and the rescheduled start for Stroman will be critical tests for the Yankees as they look to maintain their momentum and continue their push towards the postseason. With a deep and versatile roster at his disposal, Boone's strategic decisions in these moments could have lasting implications for the team's success in the weeks to come.