The unpredictable nature of the baseball season often brings about unexpected shifts, and Tuesday night was no exception for the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Angels. A rainout in the Bronx necessitated a recalibration of strategies and schedules, leading both teams to reconsider their starting rotations.
The Yankees, having enjoyed a day off on Monday, found themselves caught in the flux of an unscheduled pause. Yankees manager Aaron Boone made a decisive call to skip Marcus Stroman's scheduled start. Instead of taking the mound as planned, Stroman will return on Sunday, August 11. This change grants him an extended period of rest, adding up to eight days before he faces competition again.
"I just felt like there'd be some benefit in Stro having a couple of bullpens to work through some things," Boone explained. His decision underscores a strategic move intended to help Stroman regain his form. Boone continued, "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."
Shifting the rotation wasn't just about giving Stroman time. The Yankees will face the challenge of a doubleheader on Wednesday. With a roster including Luis Gil, Nestor Cortes, Carlos Ródon, and Gerrit Cole, Boone can approach the doubleheader with both flexibility and a tactical mindset. Will Warren is poised to start the second game on Wednesday, adding another layer to the Yankees' pitching puzzle.
This realignment is crucial as the Yankees strive to maintain their competitive edge. With a 67-46 record, they currently lead the AL East by a slim half-game margin. Every game counts, and managing player workloads effectively is vital to sustaining their top position.
Marcus Stroman's journey this season has been a tale of two halves. Over his first 14 starts, he posted an impressive 6-2 record with a 2.82 ERA. However, his recent performance has been less stellar, with just one win against four losses in his last eight starts and an ERA that has ballooned to 6.87. His recent outings have left much to be desired. In a game against Boston, Stroman allowed five runs on nine hits over just 3 1/3 innings. Then, against the Toronto Blue Jays, he gave up seven runs on eight hits in only 2 2/3 innings.
Adding to the concern, Stroman's four-seam fastball velocity has dipped, averaging 88.8 miles per hour compared to his season average of 89.8 mph. These factors contribute to Boone's decision to offer Stroman additional time to recalibrate. The extended rest and extra bullpen sessions aim to provide him with the opportunity to work through issues and return to form.
As the Yankees brace themselves for the doubleheader against the Angels, Boone’s strategic maneuvers reflect a broader approach to managing the team’s rotation. Carefully aligning their pitchers for the upcoming days demonstrates the balance between addressing immediate needs and being mindful of the long season ahead. Through it all, the Yankees remain focused on one primary objective – maintaining their grip on the top spot in the AL East and pushing towards a successful postseason.
Such adjustments highlight the ever-evolving landscape of baseball, where strategy, foresight, and sometimes even the weather, play pivotal roles in shaping the path to victory. For Yankees fans, the hope remains that these calculated decisions will pave the way for continued success in the tumultuous journey that is the baseball season.