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, pushing both teams to rethink their starting rotations and setting the stage for some strategic maneuvering by Yankees manager Aaron Boone.
Rainout and Rotation Shuffle
This unscheduled pause followed a day off for the Yankees on Monday, disrupting what seemed to be a well-laid plan. Boone made the surprising decision to skip Marcus Stroman's scheduled start. Stroman, who last took the mound on Friday, will now return on Sunday, August 11. This adjustment means the pitcher will face his next challenge with eight days of rest—ample time to recoup and recalibrate.
Boone explained his reasoning: "I just felt like there'd be some benefit in Stro having a couple of bullpens to work through some things." This deliberate pause aims to allow Stroman the opportunity to refine his form and regain his edge.
Doubleheader Strategies
The Yankees will face the challenge of a doubleheader on Wednesday, a daunting prospect for any team. However, Boone approaches it with flexibility and a strategic mindset, armed with a robust roster of pitchers. With Luis Gil, Nestor Cortes, Carlos Ródon, and Gerrit Cole available, Boone has a wealth of options at his disposal. Will Warren is set to take the ball for the second game on Wednesday, an important piece in aligning the Yankees' rotation for the upcoming days.
The decision to skip Stroman's start isn't made lightly. Speaking on the matter, Boone expressed confidence in the pitcher's state: "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 Season Performance
A deeper look into Marcus Stroman's season stats reveals a tale of two halves. Initially, Stroman posted an impressive 6-2 record with a 2.82 ERA over his first 14 starts. However, his recent performance has been underwhelming. Over his last eight starts, Stroman has managed just one win against four losses, with an elevated ERA of 6.87. In his most recent outings, against Boston and the Toronto Blue Jays, he allowed a combined 12 runs and 17 hits over just 6 innings pitched. His four-seam fastball velocity also saw a slight dip, averaging 88.8 miles per hour compared to his season average of 89.8 mph.
Yankees’ Positioning
Despite the challenges, the Yankees maintain a solid position with a 67-46 record. They are currently at the top of the AL East by a narrow half-game margin. Boone's tactical adjustments aim to solidify this lead and navigate the team through the rough patch punctuated by Stroman's inconsistencies and the added strain of a doubleheader.
As the Yankees move forward, these strategic decisions will play a crucial role in their aim to maintain their top position and push deeper into the season with confidence and resilience. The upcoming days will test their mettle, but with a manager like Boone at the helm, they are equipped for the challenges ahead.