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 when the Bronx witnessed a rainout, forcing both teams to rethink their starting rotations. This unscheduled pause came following a day off for the Yankees on Monday, adding another layer of complexity to their already delicate schedule.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone decided to make a significant adjustment, skipping Marcus Stroman's scheduled start. Stroman, who last pitched on Friday, will return to the mound on Sunday, August 11. This alteration allows Stroman a total of eight days of rest before his next appearance. Boone reflected on this decision, stating, "I just felt like there'd be some benefit in Stro having a couple of bullpens to work through some things."
Doubleheader Challenges and Strategic Adjustments
The Yankees now face the daunting task of a doubleheader on Wednesday. With a rotation that includes Luis Gil, Nestor Cortes, Carlos Ródon, and Gerrit Cole, Boone has some flexibility to approach these games strategically. Will Warren is set to take the ball for the second game on Wednesday, further aligning the Yankees’ rotation for the upcoming days. Despite the challenges, Boone remains confident. "I'm not too concerned about it," he said. "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: A Tale of Two Halves
Stroman's season has been a story of highs and lows. Posting a 6-2 record with a commendable 2.82 ERA over his first 14 starts, Stroman showcased his ability to dominate on the mound. However, his performance in recent starts has been concerning. Over his last eight starts, he has managed just one win against four losses, with an ERA ballooning to 6.87. Specific outings exemplify these struggles, such as his performance against Boston, where he allowed five runs on nine hits in just 3 1/3 innings, and an even rougher game against the Toronto Blue Jays, giving up seven runs on eight hits in 2 2/3 innings. This performance dip also included his fourseam fastball velocity, which averaged 88.8 miles per hour compared to his season average of 89.8 mph.
Yankees’ Standings and Prospects
The Yankees, boasting a 67-46 record, currently sit atop the AL East by a slim half-game margin. This precarious lead underscores the importance of each game and every strategic decision made by Boone and his coaching staff. Despite recent hiccups, the Yankees remain a formidable force and a strong contender for the postseason.
As the rainout necessitates a shuffle in the rotation, it could also serve as a much-needed opportunity for rest and recalibration, which could prove crucial down the stretch. Boone’s decision to give Stroman extra rest in the hope of a return to form reflects a calculated risk that could pay significant dividends.
Stroman's struggles may be a point of concern for Yankees fans, but Boone's confidence and strategic adjustments provide a glimmer of hope as the season progresses. The rainout reshuffle and upcoming doubleheader will test the Yankees' depth and resilience, potentially setting the stage for a thrilling continuation of the season.