The rhythm of the baseball season can often take unexpected detours, and Tuesday night presented such a twist for the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Angels. A rainout in the Bronx disrupted plans, compelling both teams to reassess their starting rotations and adjust their strategies accordingly.
The unexpected pause came after the Yankees had already enjoyed a scheduled day off on Monday. Facing the circumstances, Yankees manager Aaron Boone made the decision to skip Marcus Stroman’s scheduled start. Stroman, who last pitched on Friday, will now make his return to the mound on Sunday, August 11. This alteration provides Stroman with a full eight days of rest before he faces his next competition.
With the unplanned break, the Yankees were faced with the challenge of a doubleheader on Wednesday. Boone, keen on managing his resources wisely, could approach this with a degree of flexibility, thanks to the availability of pitchers Luis Gil, Nestor Cortes, Carlos Ródon, and Gerrit Cole.
Strategic Deployment
Will Warren has been designated to take the ball for the second game on Wednesday, a calculated decision that aligns with Boone’s strategic plan for the coming days. By reshuffling the rotation, Boone aims to maximize his team's performance while ensuring his players remain fresh and competitive.
Boone elaborated on his decision to give Stroman some extra time off, saying, "I just felt like there'd be some benefit in Stro having a couple of bullpens to work through some things." This period of rest and adjustment is viewed as a necessary interval for Stroman, who has faced recent challenges in his performance on the mound.
Stroman’s Recent Struggles
Stroman’s season has been a tale of two halves. During his first 14 starts, he posted an impressive 6-2 record with a 2.82 ERA. However, in his last eight starts, he has managed only one win against four losses, with his ERA ballooning to 6.87.
In a recent outing against the Boston Red Sox, Stroman struggled, allowing five runs on nine hits in just 3 1/3 innings. The struggles continued against the Toronto Blue Jays, where he surrendered seven runs on eight hits in merely 2 2/3 innings. Additionally, his fourseam fastball velocity has seen a slight dip, averaging 88.8 miles per hour compared to his season average of 89.8 mph.
Despite these challenges, Boone remains optimistic about Stroman’s potential to return to form. "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 remarked.
Yankees’ Current Standings
The Yankees currently boast a record of 67-46 and are holding a slim lead at the top of the AL East by a half-game margin. With their sights set on maintaining this momentum, the team's handling of its roster and strategic decisions in face of unforeseen circumstances like rainouts becomes crucial.
As they prepare for the doubleheader and beyond, Boone’s ability to adapt and manage his players effectively will be tested. With a blend of rest, strategic deployment, and a focus on individual player performance, the Yankees aim to navigate the rest of the season with the same resilience and determination that defines their storied franchise.