The rhythms of the baseball season often bring unforeseen shifts, and for the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Angels, Tuesday night was one of those instances. The skies over the Bronx opened up, forcing a rainout and sending both teams into a flurry of strategizing to adjust their starting rotations.
The Yankees, having recently taken Monday off, found themselves scrambling with another unscheduled pause. Manager Aaron Boone had to make quick decisions, including skipping Marcus Stroman's scheduled start. Boone's choice didn't come easy, as Stroman was slated to pitch on Friday and is now set to return to the mound on Sunday, August 11. This means that Stroman, who last pitched on Friday, will have an unusually long rest period of eight days.
Boone expressed his thoughts on the decision, saying, "I just felt like there'd be some benefit in Stro having a couple of bullpens to work through some things." His words reflect a thoughtful approach to managing Stroman's workload and performance.
Adaptations in the Rotation
The Yankees are now bracing for a demanding doubleheader on Wednesday. With a lineup of pitchers including Luis Gil, Nestor Cortes, Carlos Ródon, and Gerrit Cole, Boone is afforded a degree of flexibility. The challenge will be to navigate through both games effectively while keeping his pitchers fresh.
Taking the ball for the second game on Wednesday will be Will Warren, a strategic deployment that Boone believes will align the Yankees' rotation well for the coming days.
Stroman's Rollercoaster Season
Stroman’s season has seen its ups and downs. Initially posting a 6-2 record with a commendable 2.82 ERA over his first 14 starts, his recent performance has been less stellar. In his last eight starts, Stroman has managed just one win against four losses, his ERA ballooning to 6.87. Notably, in an outing against Boston, he allowed five runs on nine hits in just 3 1/3 innings, followed by a game against the Toronto Blue Jays where he gave up seven runs on eight hits in 2 2/3 innings.
His velocity has also been a subject of scrutiny. Stroman’s fourseam fastball velocity averaged 88.8 miles per hour, as opposed to his 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," Boone stated.
The Yankees on Top
The Yankees currently hold a 67-46 record, placing them at the pinnacle of the AL East by a narrow half-game margin. This standing underscores the importance of each game and why Boone’s adjustments could play a crucial role in maintaining their lead.
The next game will be pivotal not just for the standings but also for allowing the Yankees' rotation to reset effectively. With strategic management and a well-constructed rotation, the Yankees aim to overcome these weather-induced challenges and continue their march at the top of the division.
As the season unfolds, fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see if Boone's calculated moves pay off, particularly with Stroman’s extended rest and the upcoming doubleheader on the horizon.