Tuesday night took an unexpected turn for the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Angels as a rainout in the Bronx forced both teams to reassess their starting rotations. For the Yankees, the unplanned pause came on the heels of a scheduled day off on Monday, adding an extra layer of complexity to their game strategy.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone decided to take a strategic approach to the situation, opting to skip Marcus Stroman's scheduled start. "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, was originally slated to return to the mound sooner but will now be back in action on Sunday, August 11.
This adjustment means Stroman will have eight days of rest before facing his next opponents. The decision stems, in part, from Stroman’s recent performance trends. After an impressive start to the season with a 6-2 record and a 2.82 ERA over his first 14 outings, Stroman has struggled in his last few starts. His more recent numbers reflect a single win versus four losses and an elevated ERA of 6.87 over the last eight games.
In recent matchups, Stroman has faced significant challenges. He allowed five runs on nine hits in just 3 1/3 innings against Boston and gave up seven runs on eight hits in just 2 2/3 innings against the Toronto Blue Jays. Notably, his fourseam fastball velocity has dipped slightly, averaging 88.8 miles per hour compared to a season average of 89.8 mph. Boone, however, remains optimistic. "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," he reassured.
Doubleheader Challenge
The Yankees now face the immediate challenge of a doubleheader on Wednesday. With a rotation that includes Luis Gil, Nestor Cortes, Carlos Ródon, and Gerrit Cole, Boone can afford to approach the doubleheader with flexibility and a strategic mindset. Will Warren is set to take the ball for the second game, providing the Yankees with further options in balancing their pitching resources.
This tactical deployment sets the stage for the Yankees' rotation in the coming days. As they maintain their 67-46 record, sitting at the top of the AL East by a narrow half-game margin, every decision counts. The juggling of schedules and strategic choices underscore the unpredictable nature of the baseball season, where managers must constantly adapt to ensure their teams remain competitive.
Despite the recent hiccups, optimism remains high among the Yankees' camp. The extra rest for Stroman and the opportunities for other key pitchers to step up could serve as a valuable recalibration for the team. With the demanding schedule ahead, Boone's strategic decisions will be critical in maintaining their top position in the fiercely competitive AL East.