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. With the Bronx soaked by rain, both teams were forced to rethink their starting rotations, adding an unexpected twist to their plans.
The Yankees had just enjoyed a day off on Monday, which might have been expected to provide some rest and recovery. However, the rainout prompted Yankees manager Aaron Boone to make a strategic decision: skipping Marcus Stroman's scheduled start.
Stroman, who last pitched on Friday, will now return to the mound on Sunday, August 11. This adjustment means that Stroman will have an extended eight-day rest period before his next outing. Boone explained his decision, saying, "I just felt like there'd be some benefit in Stro having a couple of bullpens to work through some things."
Boone's plan will be put to the test as the Yankees face the challenge of a doubleheader on Wednesday. However, with a deep pitching roster including Luis Gil, Nestor Cortes, Carlos Ródon, and Gerrit Cole, Boone can approach the doubleheader with flexibility and a strategic mindset. For the second game on Wednesday, Boone has decided to give the ball to rising talent Will Warren.
These strategic moves are intended to align the Yankees' rotation more effectively for the coming days. As Boone noted, "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."
Stroman's performance this season has been a tale of two halves. He posted a strong start with a 6-2 record and a 2.82 ERA over his first 14 starts. However, in his last eight outings, he managed to secure only one win against four losses, with an elevated ERA of 6.87. Specific games highlighted these struggles, including an outing against Boston where he allowed five runs on nine hits in just 3 1/3 innings. Another rough game saw Stroman give up seven runs on eight hits in 2 2/3 innings against the Toronto Blue Jays. Notably, the velocity of Stroman’s fourseam fastball averaged 88.8 miles per hour compared to his season average of 89.8 mph, indicating a potential area of concern.
Despite these individual challenges, the Yankees hold a promising position in the league with a 67-46 record. They currently top the AL East by a slim half-game margin, a testament to their overall strength and resilience this season.
The Yankees will need to leverage every strategic advantage going forward, especially given the packed schedule and the pressure of maintaining their lead. Boone’s approach to manage Stroman’s rest and the rotation effectively during critical games will likely serve as a pivotal factor in their continued success.
As the Yankees and their fans brace for the doubleheader and the ensuing matchups, Boone’s tactical decisions and the players' performance will be under close scrutiny. The extended rest for Marcus Stroman might just provide the reinvigoration needed for a solid comeback on the mound, potentially altering the trajectory of his recent form and contributing significantly to the Yankees' push towards postseason glory.