The rhythms of the baseball season can often be unpredictable, and the New York Yankees' game against the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday night was a prime example. The Bronx found itself under a curtain of rain, prompting a rainout that forced both teams to rethink their starting rotations.
This unscheduled pause followed a restful day off for the Yankees on Monday, yet it provoked a crucial decision from Yankees manager Aaron Boone. He chose to skip Marcus Stroman's scheduled start, a move anticipated to give the pitcher a much-needed breather.
"I just felt like there'd be some benefit in Stro having a couple of bullpens to work through some things," Boone remarked, shedding light on his thought process. Adding to this, Boone expressed his confidence in Stroman’s physical condition and work ethic: "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."
Strategic Shifts
Stroman, who last pitched on Friday, is now slated to return to the mound on Sunday, August 11, giving him a substantial eight days of rest. This period of rest could play a pivotal role in enhancing his performance, given his recent struggles. Stroman, who initially posted a commendable 6-2 record with a 2.82 ERA over his first 14 starts, has faced a difficult stretch in his last eight starts with just one win against four losses and an inflated ERA of 6.87.
In recent outings, Stroman allowed five runs on nine hits in a mere 3 1/3 innings against the Boston Red Sox, followed by an even more troubling game against the Toronto Blue Jays where he conceded seven runs on eight hits in just 2 2/3 innings. Notably, his fourseam fastball velocity dropped, averaging 88.8 miles per hour compared to his season average of 89.8 mph.
Bracing for the Doubleheader
The Yankees, currently boasting a solid 67-46 record and leading the AL East by a half-game margin, will face the additional challenge of a doubleheader on Wednesday. With four reliable pitchers— Luis Gil, Nestor Cortes, Carlos Ródon, and Gerrit Cole—available, Boone can approach the doubleheader with a sense of flexibility and strategic thinking.
In a move designed to align the rotation for the coming days, Boone has seen to it that Will Warren will take the ball for the second game on Wednesday. This adjustment aims not only to preserve their key arms but to also present a competitive edge against the opposition.
The strategic maneuvering around Stroman showcases Boone's intention to leverage the breadth of his roster while smartly managing his bullpen’s workload. For the Yankees, it's about playing the long game—securing wins while maintaining the health and performance potential of their key players.
Looking Ahead
The adjustments put forth by Boone, including the delayed start for Stroman, illustrate the level of meticulous planning and adaptability required to navigate the tumultuous waters of a Major League Baseball season. As the Yankees continue to battle for dominance in the AL East, the upcoming games will be a testament to their resilience and strategic acumen.
As fans and analysts keep a close eye on Stroman’s return to the mound, expectations weigh heavily. With the planned rest, the hope is that Stroman can regain his early-season form and contribute effectively to the Yankees' campaign. Ultimately, the season’s unpredictable nature demands that every opportunity be maximized, every rest day calculated, and every game approached with a strategic mindset.