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. Due to rain, the game scheduled in the Bronx was rained out, which forced both teams to reassess their pitching rotations and strategize for the immediate future.
This unexpected pause followed a day off for the Yankees on Monday, adding an extra layer of complexity to their plans. Yankees manager Aaron Boone took this opportunity to make an intriguing decision regarding the team's starting rotation, specifically opting to skip Marcus Stroman's scheduled start. Instead, Stroman, who last pitched on Friday, will now return to the mound on Sunday, August 11. This adjustment allows Stroman a substantial eight days of rest before facing 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, hoping the additional rest and extra bullpen sessions could help Stroman address some recent challenges.
The Yankees will now face a doubleheader on Wednesday, requiring strategic deployment of their available pitchers. With Luis Gil, Nestor Cortes, Carlos Ródon, and Gerrit Cole ready to take the mound, Boone can approach the situation with flexibility and a tactical mindset. Will Warren will take the ball for the second game, showcasing the Yankees' depth in their rotation.
This reshuffling is not merely a response to the rainout but also a tactical alignment for the days ahead. The numbers reveal why Boone is keen on giving Marcus Stroman some extra time and additional work. Initially strong with a 6-2 record and a 2.82 ERA over his first 14 starts, Stroman's recent performance has been underwhelming. In his last eight starts, he has managed just one win against four losses, and his ERA has ballooned to 6.87.
Two recent outings highlight Stroman's struggles vividly. Against Boston, he allowed five runs on nine hits in just 3 1/3 innings. Similarly, when facing the Toronto Blue Jays, Stroman gave up seven runs on eight hits in a mere 2 2/3 innings. Another concerning metric has been the velocity on his fourseam fastball, which averaged 88.8 miles per hour compared to his season average of 89.8 mph.
Boone remains optimistic about Stroman’s current state, emphasizing that they are not overly worried despite the recent hiccups. "I'm not too concerned about it. I pay attention to it, but I feel 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 remarked.
The Yankees, boasting a commendable 67-46 record, hold the top position in the AL East by a slim half-game margin. This critical juncture in the season underscores the importance of making calculated moves to maintain their competitive edge.
While the rainout and subsequent reshuffling present immediate challenges, it also offers opportunities for players like Marcus Stroman to refocus and regain their earlier form. As the Yankees prepare for the doubleheader and look toward the approaching games, the ability to adapt and strategically utilize their roster could make a significant difference in their quest for postseason success.
With an eye on both immediate results and long-term goals, Aaron Boone and the Yankees will need to harness their depth and experience to navigate this unexpected twist in the season. The coming days will reveal whether the additional rest and strategic adjustments will pay off for Stroman and the Yankees as they strive to fortify their position at the top of the standings.