The familiar cadence of a baseball season often brings unexpected turns, and Tuesday night served as a prime example for the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Angels. The Bronx was soaked in rain, leading to a rainout that forced both teams to reassess their strategies and starting rotations.
The postponement was particularly untimely for the Yankees, who had just come off a day of rest on Monday. Manager Aaron Boone opted for a significant alteration in the pitching lineup, choosing to skip Marcus Stroman's scheduled start. Originally set to take the mound, Stroman last pitched on Friday and will now return to action on Sunday, August 11.
Managing the Rotation
Boone’s decision provides Stroman with eight days of rest, a move likely aimed at giving the pitcher time to regain his form. "I just felt like there'd be some benefit in Stro having a couple of bullpens to work through some things," Boone explained. The sentiment underscores the Yankees' effort to balance physical readiness and performance.
The doubleheader on Wednesday now looms large for the Yankees. With a rotation that includes Luis Gil, Nestor Cortes, Carlos Ródon, and Gerrit Cole, Boone can approach these games with a degree of strategic flexibility. Boone confirmed that Will Warren would be taking the ball for the second game on Wednesday, effectively lining up the Yankees' rotation for the upcoming days.
Stroman's Struggles and Potential Rebound
Stroman's season has been characterized by fluctuating performances. His early outings were promising, as he posted a 6-2 record with a commendable 2.82 ERA over his first 14 starts. However, his recent performances have been less encouraging. In his last eight starts, Stroman has recorded just one win against four losses, accompanied by an elevated ERA of 6.87.
His most recent starts have shown the cracks in his once-dominant form. Against Boston, Stroman allowed five runs on nine hits over a brief 3 1/3 innings. The struggle continued against the Toronto Blue Jays, where he gave up seven runs on eight hits in just 2 2/3 innings. Notably, his fourseam fastball's velocity has dipped, averaging 88.8 miles per hour, a full mile per hour below his season average of 89.8 mph.
Despite these setbacks, Boone remains optimistic. "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." Such confidence from the manager could be vital for Stroman’s mindset and subsequent performance.
The Road Ahead
For the Yankees, who hold a strong 67-46 record and sit at the top of the AL East by a slim half-game margin, the upcoming games are crucial. Each decision Boone makes could have significant implications on their standings and postseason prospects. The flexibility and depth in their roster, especially in the pitching rotation, will likely be tested in the days ahead.
The upcoming doubleheader presents an opportunity for both reckoning and redemption. With a carefully managed rotation and a focus on key players like Stroman, the Yankees will aim to navigate these challenges with the same strategic acumen that has positioned them as division leaders.
As the rainout forces a shift in plans, the Yankees are poised to turn this moment of uncertainty into a calculated stride forward. The resilience of their pitching staff and the choices made by Boone will be pivotal in sustaining their pursuit of excellence in one of baseball's most competitive divisions.