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 one of those moments. The Bronx witnessed a rainout, causing both teams to rethink their starting rotations. This unscheduled pause came right after a day off for the Yankees on Monday, adding a layer of complexity to their planning.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone decided to skip Marcus Stroman's scheduled start, a move reflecting both strategic foresight and an acute awareness of Stroman’s current form. Stroman, who last pitched on Friday, will return to the mound on Sunday, August 11. This adjustment allows the pitcher to face the competition with a full eight days of rest. As Boone explained, "I just felt like there'd be some benefit in Stro having a couple of bullpens to work through some things."
The Yankees will confront the doubleheader challenge on Wednesday, requiring a nimble approach to their pitching rotation. With options like Luis Gil, Nestor Cortes, Carlos Ródon, and Gerrit Cole available, Boone can navigate through the doubleheader with tactical flexibility. Boone’s strategic deployment will see Will Warren taking the ball for the second game on Wednesday, aligning the Yankees' rotation for the upcoming days efficiently.
For the Yankees, who boast a 67-46 record and hold the top spot in the AL East by a slim half-game margin, each decision carries significant weight. Stroman’s performance has been a tale of two halves this season. In his initial 14 starts, he posted an impressive 6-2 record with a 2.82 ERA. However, the subsequent eight starts have been less flattering, with just one win against four losses and an elevated ERA of 6.87.
Recent outings have highlighted Stroman’s struggles. Against the Boston Red Sox, he allowed five runs on nine hits over just 3 1/3 innings. A subsequent performance against the Toronto Blue Jays saw him giving up seven runs on eight hits in merely 2 2/3 innings. Additionally, Stroman’s fourseam fastball velocity averaged 88.8 miles per hour, a dip from his season average of 89.8 mph.
Boone, however, remains optimistic about Stroman. "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.
These adjustments come at a crucial juncture for the Yankees. With a doubleheader looming and the race for the AL East heating up, every strategic decision is magnified. Stroman’s extended rest might just be the tweak needed to return him to early-season form, giving the Yankees an edge as they navigate the challenging days ahead.
Overall, the Yankees are positioned to handle the immediate obstacles presented by the unusual schedule. Boone’s decisions reflect a calculated approach to mitigate the challenges wrought by unforeseen disruptions. The coming games will test the efficacy of these choices, but with a well-rested Stroman and a flexible rotation, the Yankees seem prepared for what lies ahead.