The Unexpected Pause in the Bronx
In the traditional ebb and flow of a baseball season, unexpected disruptions are par for the course. Tuesday night presented such a scenario for the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Angels, as rain put a halt to their scheduled game in the Bronx. The rainout required both teams to reevaluate their starting rotations, leading to a series of strategic decisions that could affect their performance in the coming days.
For the Yankees, the rainout came on the heels of a day off on Monday, adding to their period of downtime. Yankees manager Aaron Boone made the calculated decision to skip Marcus Stroman's scheduled start. Stroman, who last took the mound on Friday, is now slated to return on Sunday, August 11. This adjustment grants him eight days of rest, a move Boone hopes will pay dividends.
Managing the Rotation
"I just felt like there'd be some benefit in Stro having a couple of bullpens to work through some things," Boone explained. The strategic shift means the Yankees will field a different lineup for their upcoming doubleheader on Wednesday. With pitchers Luis Gil, Nestor Cortes, Carlos Ródon, and Gerrit Cole available, Boone is afforded a level of flexibility and strategic depth.
Will Warren is set to take the ball for the second game on Wednesday. This move helps align the Yankees' rotation more closely with their needs for the remainder of the week. "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 added.
Stroman’s Struggles and Optimism
Stroman's season has been a tale of two halves. He posted an impressive 6-2 record with a 2.82 ERA over his first 14 starts. However, his recent performances have left much to be desired. In his last eight starts, he has secured just one win against four losses, with his ERA ballooning to 6.87. His struggles were evident in a recent outing against Boston, where he allowed five runs on nine hits in just 3 1/3 innings. A similarly tough outing against the Toronto Blue Jays saw him give up seven runs on eight hits in 2 2/3 innings.
Moreover, Stroman's four-seam fastball velocity has shown a slight dip, averaging 88.8 miles per hour compared to his season average of 89.8 mph. Despite these setbacks, Boone remains optimistic, emphasizing that Stroman is physically in good shape and working through video analysis and bullpen sessions to regain his form.
Yankees’ Dominance in the AL East
The Yankees currently boast a 67-46 record and maintain a narrow lead at the top of the AL East. The ability to adapt and manage their rotation during such unforeseen disruptions as Tuesday night's rainout will be crucial as they look to solidify their standing. The upcoming doubleheader poses both a challenge and an opportunity for Boone and his squad. The manager's decisions regarding Stroman and the deployment of his other pitchers will be pivotal in navigating this demanding stretch of games.
As the Yankees continue their march through the season, the strategic handling of their rotation and the performance of key players like Stroman will be key factors to watch. With eight days of rest ahead of his next start, all eyes will be on Stroman to see if he can rebound and contribute to the Yankees' push for postseason success.