The traditional rhythms of the baseball season often take unexpected turns, and for the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Angels, Tuesday night presented one of those moments. As the Bronx was drenched, the game had to be called off, prompting both teams to adjust their starting rotations.
The Yankees, already coming off a day of rest on Monday, found themselves in a unique situation that required some quick decisions from manager Aaron Boone. One of the notable moves was the choice to skip Marcus Stroman's scheduled start.
Stroman, who had last pitched the previous Friday, was rescheduled to take the mound on Sunday, August 11. This adjustment affords Stroman eight days of rest before he faces his next competition. "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 underscore the strategic thought process behind the decision.
Rotation Adjustment and Doubleheader Challenge
The rainout has set the stage for a challenging doubleheader on Wednesday, and Boone will need to maneuver his pitching options with both flexibility and strategy. With arms like Luis Gil, Nestor Cortes, Carlos Ródon, and Gerrit Cole available, Boone appears well-prepared to handle the task at hand. Additionally, Will Warren is slated to pitch the second game, giving the Yankees a clear rotation plan for the upcoming days.
While managing doubleheaders is never straightforward, this particular configuration allows the Yankees to maintain a competitive edge. The reworked rotation also seems to provide the team with a well-timed opportunity to reassess and potentially optimize their pitching lineup for the coming stretch of games.
Stroman's Season So Far
Marcus Stroman's performance this season has been a tale of two halves. Early on, he exhibited strong form, posting a 6-2 record with a 2.82 ERA over his first 14 starts. However, his recent outings have been less consistent. Over his last eight starts, Stroman managed just one win and four losses, with an elevated ERA of 6.87.
Stroman's recent struggles were highlighted in two specific games. Against Boston, he allowed five runs on nine hits in merely 3 1/3 innings. Similarly, in a matchup against the Toronto Blue Jays, he conceded seven runs on eight hits in just 2 2/3 innings. A closer look at his stats reveals a slight dip in his fourseam fastball velocity, averaging 88.8 miles per hour compared to his season average of 89.8 mph.
Boone's Confidence and Strategy
Despite these recent issues, Aaron Boone remains confident in Stroman's capabilities and form moving forward. "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 noted.
Such remarks suggest Boone and the coaching staff believe Stroman can regain his early-season form. The additional rest and opportunity to fine-tune his mechanics through bullpen sessions may provide Stroman the reset he needs to perform at his peak.
Current Standings
The Yankees are currently holding a 67-46 record, perched at the top of the AL East by a narrow half-game margin. Their positioning adds an extra layer of importance to every strategic decision, ensuring that each game is approached with utmost precision and foresight.
As the Yankees navigate these unexpected turns in their season, their ability to adapt and remain resilient will be crucial. Boone's decisions, particularly around the pitching rotation, will play a pivotal role in maintaining the team's momentum and their pursuit of divisional supremacy.