The rhythms of the baseball season are filled with unexpected turns, and for the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Angels, Tuesday night's rainout in the Bronx was one such curveball. This unforeseen interruption forced both teams to reassess their plans, particularly affecting the Yankees' starting rotation strategy.
Unexpected Changes
The Yankees had already enjoyed a day off on Monday, but the rainout necessitated further adjustments. Yankees manager Aaron Boone made the decision to skip Marcus Stroman's scheduled start. Having last pitched on Friday, Stroman will now return to the mound on Sunday, August 11, granting him an extended eight days of rest.
Boone explained, "I just felt like there'd be some benefit in Stro having a couple of bullpens to work through some things." Despite the shake-up, Boone expressed confidence in Stroman's condition. "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."
Doubleheader Strategy
The rainout also means the Yankees will face a doubleheader against the Angels on Wednesday. With pitchers like Luis Gil, Nestor Cortes, Carlos Ródon, and Gerrit Cole available, Boone has ample flexibility and can approach the doubleheader with a strategic mindset. Will Warren is slated to take the ball for the second game, further aligning the Yankees' rotation for the upcoming days.
Performance Concerns
While Stroman's overall season performance includes a respectable 6-2 record with a 2.82 ERA over his first 14 starts, his recent outings have raised some concerns. In his last eight starts, Stroman has managed just one win against four losses, with an elevated ERA of 6.87. His struggles were evident in a game against Boston where he allowed five runs on nine hits in just 3 1/3 innings. Similarly, against the Toronto Blue Jays, Stroman gave up seven runs on eight hits in a mere 2 2/3 innings.
Adding to the concerns, Stroman’s fourseam fastball velocity averaged 88.8 miles per hour compared to his season average of 89.8 mph. These numbers highlight a dip in his pitching performance, possibly indicative of fatigue or minor physical issues.
Yankees' Standings
Amid these challenges, the Yankees hold an impressive 67-46 record. They currently lead the AL East by a narrow half-game margin, showcasing their resilience and competitive edge as they navigate the season's twists and turns.
As the team prepares for the doubleheader and adjusts their rotation, the Yankees' strategic moves in response to the rainout will be crucial in maintaining their standing and momentum in the highly competitive AL East.
For Yankees fans, these decisions and adjustments will certainly be under scrutiny as the season progresses. With the flexibility and strategic planning that Boone has demonstrated, the team aims to keep its focus sharp and its performance optimal, weathering the interruptions and challenges that the baseball season invariably throws their way.