Yankees Adjust Rotation as Rain Forces Changes
The ebb and flow of the baseball season often brings about unexpected twists, and such was the case when rain reshaped the plans for the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday night. The downpour in the Bronx led to a game cancellation, prompting both teams to re-evaluate their starting rotations.
This unexpected disruption came on the heels of a rest day for the Yankees on Monday, providing an extended pause that Manager Aaron Boone decided to utilize strategically. One of Boone’s notable decisions was to skip Marcus Stroman's scheduled start initially planned for the rainout day.
Stroman, who last took the mound on Friday, is now set to return on Sunday, August 11, providing him with a lengthy eight days of rest. Boone’s rationale for this adjustment was clear: "I just felt like there'd be some benefit in Stro having a couple of bullpens to work through some things," Boone explained.
This strategic delay in Stroman's schedule offers both potential benefits and challenges. On the one hand, the extra rest might allow Stroman to refine his approach, a necessity highlighted by his recent struggles. His performance in recent games has raised some concerns, despite a strong start to the season. Over his first 14 starts, Stroman posted an impressive 6-2 record with a 2.82 ERA. However, his last eight outings have been less successful, with just one win against four losses and a significantly elevated ERA of 6.87.
Key amongst the recent difficulties was a disappointing outing against the Boston Red Sox, where Stroman allowed five runs on nine hits in just 3 1/3 innings. The struggle continued in a subsequent game against the Toronto Blue Jays, where he yielded seven runs on eight hits over 2 2/3 innings. A drop in his fourseam fastball velocity, averaging 88.8 miles per hour compared to his season average of 89.8 mph, has also been noted.
Yet, Boone remains optimistic about Stroman’s capability to bounce back. "I'm not too concerned about it," Boone asserted. "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."
The immediate impact of the rainout is that the Yankees now face the demanding task of a doubleheader on Wednesday. Fortunately, Boone has a suite of pitchers at his disposal to navigate this challenge, including Luis Gil, Nestor Cortes, Carlos Ródon, and Gerrit Cole. Boone’s strategic deployment of these arms will be vital as the Yankees aim to maintain their strong position in the standings.
For the second game of the doubleheader, Will Warren is set to take the mound. This lineup adjustment not only accounts for the immediate need but also aligns the Yankees' rotation for the coming days, maintaining the balance and stamina of their pitching staff.
Despite the recent tumult, the Yankees maintain a stellar record of 67-46, holding a slim half-game lead atop the AL East. With careful management and strategic foresight, Boone and his team are positioned to tackle the upcoming challenges head-on.
As the rain-induced shuffle falls behind them, the Yankees continue their journey through the season with an eye on both immediate contention and the longer-term health of their roster. With a mix of experience, tactical nous, and resilience, they remain a formidable force in the league.