Tuesday night brought an unexpected twist to the baseball season for the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Angels. Rain in the Bronx forced a game postponement, leading both teams to reassess their starting rotations.
For the Yankees, this unscheduled pause came after an already planned day off on Monday. Manager Aaron Boone decided to make strategic adjustments to navigate the sudden change. This led to the notable decision of skipping Marcus Stroman's scheduled start. Boone's reasoning was clear: "I just felt like there'd be some benefit in Stro having a couple of bullpens to work through some things."
Stroman's Adjusted Schedule
Stroman, who last took the mound on Friday, is now set to pitch again on Sunday, August 11. This rescheduling affords him eight days of rest, an ample period that Boone believes could be beneficial. "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 performance this season has been a tale of two halves. Over his first 14 starts, he posted impressive numbers: a 6-2 record with a 2.82 ERA. However, in his last eight outings, his form has dipped, managing just one win against four losses and an elevated ERA of 6.87. Recent matches against Boston and Toronto saw Stroman struggling, allowing five runs in 3 1/3 innings and seven runs in 2 2/3 innings, respectively. His four-seam fastball velocity also showed a slight drop, averaging 88.8 mph compared to his season average of 89.8 mph.
Strategic Doubleheader Plans
With a doubleheader scheduled for Wednesday, Boone has some flexibility in his pitching options. The Yankees will call upon Luis Gil, Nestor Cortes, Carlos Ródon, and Gerrit Cole to handle the two games, allowing Boone to approach the situation with a strategic mindset. Will Warren is expected to pitch in the second game, further detailing Boone's plan to keep the rotation aligned for the coming days.
Yankees' Standing and Future Considerations
The Yankees are currently leading the AL East with a 67-46 record, holding a slim half-game advantage at the top. Navigating this rainout and doubleheader could have significant implications for maintaining their position. Each game becomes increasingly critical as the season progresses.
This period of adjustment also offers an opportunity for Stroman to recalibrate. Boone's confidence in Stroman's physical and mental state suggests that a return to form is possible. The extended rest and additional bullpen sessions could be the key to reviving his early-season success.
As the Yankees look to manage their rotation effectively through this unexpected schedule shuffle, the next few games will be a telling indicator of their adaptability and resilience under pressure.