The irregular rhythm of the baseball season manifested on Tuesday night for the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Angels, bringing about an unexpected rainout that forced both teams to shuffle their starting rotations. This impromptu schedule disruption came right after a day off for the Yankees on Monday, adding an extra layer of complexity to the team's strategic planning.
Faced with the prospect of a doubleheader on Wednesday, Yankees manager Aaron Boone made a decisive change, opting to skip Marcus Stroman's scheduled start. Instead, Stroman, who last took the mound on Friday, will make his return on Sunday, August 11, giving him a prolonged eight-day rest period between outings. Boone commented on this decision, noting, "I just felt like there'd be some benefit in Stro having a couple of bullpens to work through some things."
Despite the unusual circumstance, Boone appeared confident in the move. "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 added.
Looking ahead to the doubleheader, the Yankees are positioned with a flexible and strategic pitching rotation, featuring Luis Gil, Nestor Cortes, Carlos Rodon, and Gerrit Cole. Will Warren is set to take the ball for the second game on Wednesday. This thoughtful deployment of their starting pitchers aligns the Yankees’ rotation for the critical days ahead.
Stroman's recent performance offers a tale of contrasts. Over his first 14 starts of the season, he impressed with a 6-2 record and an impressive 2.82 ERA. However, his recent form has been less than stellar. In his last eight starts, Stroman has managed just one win against four losses, coupled with an elevated ERA of 6.87.
Particularly troubling were his outings against Boston and the Toronto Blue Jays. Against Boston, Stroman allowed five runs on nine hits in just 3 1/3 innings. The Toronto Blue Jays further compounded his struggles, where he gave up seven runs on eight hits in merely 2 2/3 innings. Additionally, there has been a slight dip in his fastball velocity, averaging 88.8 miles per hour compared to his season average of 89.8 mph.
Despite these challenges, the Yankees continue to hold an enviable position with a 67-46 record. They currently sit at the top of the AL East, albeit by a slender half-game margin. The upcoming doubleheader and the strategic rest for Stroman could prove pivotal as the Yankees aim to maintain their lead and solidify their standing.
As the Yankees navigate this densely packed schedule, Boone’s decisions underline the strategic foresight required in managing a major league team. Balancing rest, workload, and performance metrics are all part of the intricate dance in ensuring that the team remains competitive through the inevitable ebbs and flows of a long season.
As Stroman prepares to return to the mound after his extended break, all eyes will be on his performance. Can he regain the form that marked the early part of his season? The Yankees certainly hope so, as they march forward with the aim of prolonging their successful run and staying atop the fiercely competitive AL East.