The New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Angels were thrown a curveball on Tuesday night when the Bronx was hit with a rainout, forcing both teams to reassess their starting rotations. This unexpected development came after a day off for the Yankees on Monday, further complicating their scheduling and strategies.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone made a significant decision to skip Marcus Stroman's scheduled start, opting instead to give the pitcher additional time to refine his approach. "I just felt like there'd be some benefit in Stro having a couple of bullpens to work through some things," Boone explained. Stroman, who last pitched on Friday, is now slated to return to the mound on Sunday, August 11. This adjustment means Stroman will face his next opponents with a substantial eight days of rest.
Rotation Adjustments and Doubleheader Challenges
The Yankees are set to face the challenge of a doubleheader on Wednesday, a situation that requires meticulous planning and strategic deployment of their pitching roster. With Luis Gil, Nestor Cortes, Carlos Rodón, and Gerrit Cole available, Boone has the flexibility to manage the doubleheader effectively. This strategic approach ensures that the Yankees are well-prepared for the twin bill, maintaining a balance between rest and readiness. Will Warren, adding depth to the rotation, will take the ball for the second game on Wednesday.
Boone's decision to give Stroman additional rest is not without merit. Stroman has had a mixed recent performance, posting a 6-2 record with a 2.82 ERA over his first 14 starts. However, in his last eight starts, Stroman has managed just one win against four losses, with an elevated ERA of 6.87. Notable struggles include an outing against Boston, where he allowed five runs on nine hits over just 3 1/3 innings, and a game against the Toronto Blue Jays, where he gave up seven runs on eight hits in 2 2/3 innings.
A closer look at Stroman's pitching reveals some concerning trends. His four-seam fastball velocity averaged 88.8 miles per hour recently, down from his season average of 89.8 mph. Despite these challenges, Boone remains optimistic about Stroman'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," Boone noted.
Yankees' Standings and Future Outlook
Currently, the Yankees hold a 67-46 record, placing them at the top of the AL East with a slim half-game margin. This position underscores the importance of Boone's strategic decisions and the need for a well-rested and effective rotation as the season progresses. The coming days and games will test the Yankees' resilience and adaptability, especially with the pressure of maintaining their lead in a competitive division.
The rainout and subsequent schedule adjustments are a testament to the unpredictable nature of baseball. For the Yankees, it’s another opportunity to showcase their depth and strategic prowess, while for Stroman, it’s a chance to reset and come back stronger. The coming matches promise to be crucial as the Yankees navigate their way through a demanding season with eyes firmly set on maintaining their top spot in the AL East.