The traditional rhythms of the baseball season often take unexpected turns, and Tuesday night was no exception for the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Angels. A rainout in the Bronx brought about an unscheduled disruption, compelling both teams to rethink their starting rotations.
This unexpected pause followed a day off for the Yankees on Monday, creating a window of opportunity for managerial adjustments. Yankees manager Aaron Boone opted to skip Marcus Stroman's scheduled start. The adjustment thrust Stroman into a different timeline; he last took the mound on Friday and is now slated to return on Sunday, August 11. This change affords Stroman an eight-day rest period—presumably a tactical decision by Boone.
Reflecting on the decision, Boone commented, "I just felt like there'd be some benefit in Stro having a couple of bullpens to work through some things." It’s evident that maintaining Stroman's overall well-being and performance was a critical factor in Boone's rotational strategy.
With the altered schedule causing additional challenges, the Yankees are now gearing up for a doubleheader on Wednesday. Fortunately for Boone, he has multiple reliable pitchers at his disposal—Luis Gil, Nestor Cortes, Carlos Ródon, and Gerrit Cole—which allows for a level of flexibility and strategic planning. Warren will take the ball for the second game on Wednesday, ensuring that the Yankees’ rotation aligns cohesively for the coming days.
Marcus Stroman, a crucial figure in the Yankees' pitching rotation, has had a season of contrasts so far. He opened the season strong, posting a 6-2 record with an impressive 2.82 ERA over his first 14 starts. However, his performance has seen a significant downturn in his last eight outings, managing just one win against four losses, and his ERA has inflated to 6.87. His struggles were particularly evident in a start against Boston, where he allowed five runs on nine hits in merely 3 1/3 innings. Additionally, he surrendered seven runs on eight hits in just 2 2/3 innings against the Toronto Blue Jays, marking another challenging performance.
One of the concerning aspects has been Stroman’s velocity. His fourseam fastball has averaged 88.8 miles per hour, a tick down from his season average of 89.8 mph. Yet, despite these issues, Boone remains optimistic about Stroman's condition and believes in his potential turnaround. "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 videos he's looked at, then how his bullpen went [Tuesday]. So, no, not too concerned. And physically he feels good," Boone reassured.
As the Yankees navigate these adjustments, they do so from a strong position. Their 67-46 record places them at the top of the AL East, albeit by a slim half-game margin. The upcoming games, including the doubleheader, will be crucial in maintaining their lead and ensuring their rotation remains robust and effective for the final stretch of the season.
This blend of strategic maneuvering and cautious optimism sets the stage for an intriguing few days in the Bronx. As always in baseball, adaptability remains paramount, and how Boone manages his rotation amidst these challenges will be key to the Yankees' ongoing success.