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.
This unscheduled pause followed a day off for the Yankees on Monday. Yankees manager Aaron Boone made the strategic decision to skip Marcus Stroman's scheduled start. Stroman, who last pitched on Friday, will return to the mound on Sunday, August 11, facing the competition with eight days of rest.
Boone addressed the rationale behind this decision, stating, "I just felt like there'd be some benefit in Stro having a couple of bullpens to work through some things." This extra rest could offer Stroman a valuable opportunity to iron out issues that have plagued his recent performances.
Stroman’s Recent Struggles
Stroman's season started promisingly with a 6-2 record and a 2.82 ERA over his first 14 starts. However, in his last eight starts, he's managed just one win against four losses, with an elevated ERA of 6.87. His challenging performances include a game against Boston where he allowed five runs on nine hits in just 3 1/3 innings, and another against the Toronto Blue Jays, giving up seven runs on eight hits in 2 2/3 innings.
Adding to the concerns, Stroman's fourseam fastball velocity averaged 88.8 miles per hour, slightly down from his season average of 89.8 mph. Despite these struggles, Boone expressed confidence in the pitcher’s ability to bounce back: "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."
Yankees’ Doubleheader Challenge
The unplanned rainout means the Yankees will now face the challenge of a doubleheader on Wednesday. With starters Luis Gil, Nestor Cortes, Carlos Ródon, and Gerrit Cole available, Boone can approach the doubleheader with flexibility and a strategic mindset. Will Warren is slated to take the ball for the second game on Wednesday, aligning the Yankees' rotation for the coming days.
Heading into this crucial stretch, the Yankees boast a 67-46 record, situating them at the top of the AL East by a razor-thin half-game margin. The strategic adjustments Boone and his staff have made could prove pivotal as the season progresses.
As the Yankees adapt to the unexpected turns of their season, much depends on whether Stroman can use this extended rest to regain his early-season form. With a challenging road ahead, every game carries significant stakes. Boone’s faith in his pitcher’s resilience might just make the difference in the Yankees' pursuit of continued dominance in the AL East.
The baseball season is a marathon, not a sprint, and moments like these test the mettle of players and managers alike. The Yankees are navigating this latest challenge with a blend of experience, strategic thinking, and a touch of optimism that could well define their journey through the rest of the season and into the playoffs.