Yankees and Angels Face Rotational Shuffle After Rainout
The rhythms of the major league baseball season can unexpectedly shift, as both the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Angels discovered on Tuesday night. A rainout at Yankee Stadium forced both teams to reconsider their planned rotations. This unforeseen break came on the heels of a scheduled day off for the Yankees on Monday.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone made a strategic call, choosing to skip Marcus Stroman’s turn in the rotation. Stroman, who last took the mound on Friday, is now slated to pitch on Sunday, August 11. This adjustment grants Stroman eight days of rest, potentially aiding his performance following a period of struggle.
Doubleheader Challenge
The Yankees now face the arduous task of a doubleheader on Wednesday. Boone, however, can approach this challenge with a measure of flexibility and strategic foresight given the available pitchers in Luis Gil, Nestor Cortes, Carlos Ródon, and Gerrit Cole. Will Warren is scheduled to pitch the second game on Wednesday, providing Boone ample options to tactically manage the roster.
Stroman’s Season Performance
Stroman’s season has been a tale of two halves. In his first 14 starts, he boasted a solid 6-2 record with a commendable 2.82 ERA. However, his recent performances have been less inspiring. Over his last eight starts, he has recorded just one win against four losses, with his ERA ballooning to 6.87.
In a challenging outing against the Boston Red Sox, Stroman allowed five runs on nine hits in just 3 1/3 innings. His struggles continued against the Toronto Blue Jays, where he conceded seven runs on eight hits in only 2 2/3 innings. Notably, his fourseam fastball velocity dipped, averaging 88.8 miles per hour compared to his season average of 89.8 mph.
Boone's Perspective
Despite Stroman’s recent struggles, Boone remains optimistic about the right-hander’s potential to bounce back. “I just felt like there'd be some benefit in Stro having a couple of bullpens to work through some things,” Boone remarked. He further added, "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."
Yankees' Standings
Despite their recent trials, the Yankees are enjoying a strong season. With a 67-46 record, they sit at the top of the AL East, holding a half-game lead over their closest rivals. This positional advantage provides some breathing room as the team navigates the challenges posed by weather disruptions and player rotations.
The upcoming doubleheader against the Angels will be a significant test of the Yankees' depth and Boone's managerial acumen. By positioning Stroman for a return on Sunday, Boone signals his intent to stabilize the rotation and set up his team for success in the crucial stretch of the season.