The traditional rhythms of the baseball season often take unexpected turns, and for the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Angels, Tuesday night presented one of those moments. The rainout in the Bronx forced both teams to revisit their starting rotations, creating a ripple effect that will impact the Yankees for the days to come.
Adjustments in the Rotation
Following an unscheduled pause, which came after a day off for the Yankees on Monday, manager Aaron Boone decided to skip Marcus Stroman's scheduled start. Stroman, who last pitched on Friday, is now set to return to the mound on Sunday, August 11, giving him eight days of rest.
"I just felt like there'd be some benefit in Stro having a couple of bullpens to work through some things," Boone explained. The decision could be a strategic move, allowing Stroman, who has recently struggled, more time to refine his form.
With Stroman's start pushed back, the Yankees face the challenge of a doubleheader on Wednesday. However, Boone has the flexibility of a well-stocked rotation at his disposal. Luis Gil, Nestor Cortes, Carlos Ródon, and Gerrit Cole are all available, enabling Boone to approach the doubleheader with both flexibility and a strategic mindset. Will Warren is slated to take the ball for the second game on Wednesday, further aligning the Yankees' rotation for the coming days.
Stroman's Struggles
Stroman’s performance has fluctuated this season. After posting a 6-2 record with a 2.82 ERA over his first 14 starts, his last eight outings have told a different story. Over those games, he has managed just one win against four losses and has seen his ERA balloon to 6.87. In a recent outing against Boston, Stroman allowed five runs on nine hits in just 3 1/3 innings. Another tough game against the Toronto Blue Jays saw him give up seven runs on eight hits in just 2 2/3 innings.
Stroman’s fourseam fastball velocity has also dipped, averaging 88.8 miles per hour compared to his season average of 89.8 mph. Despite these struggles, Boone 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."
A Glimpse at the Standings
The Yankees currently hold a 67-46 record, placing them at the top of the AL East by a half-game margin. This rain-induced reshuffling may have provided the Yankees with a needed breather but also sets up a challenging series of games ahead. Their ability to navigate these disruptions while keeping their eye on maintaining division dominance will be a storyline to watch.
As they prepare for the doubleheader and the return of Stroman, the Yankees will aim to leverage the strengths of their rotation and the managerial acumen of Aaron Boone. Balancing rest for their pitchers alongside the pursuit of wins will be key in staking their claim in a highly competitive division.