Rainout Forces Yankees and Angels to Rethink Strategies
The rhythm of a baseball season is a delicate balance, often disrupted by unexpected events. On Tuesday night, the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Angels found themselves in such a scenario, as a rainout in the Bronx forced both teams to reevaluate their starting rotations.
Having already enjoyed a scheduled day off on Monday, the Yankees were thrown another curveball with the rainout postponement. This disruption led Yankees manager Aaron Boone to make some notable adjustments. Deciding to skip Marcus Stroman's scheduled start, Boone revealed that Stroman, who last pitched on Friday, would return to the mound on Sunday, August 11. This change ensures that Stroman will be well-rested, heading into his next appearance with 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, shedding light on the decision.
The rainout also means that the Yankees will now face the daunting task of a doubleheader on Wednesday. With a robust list of pitchers including Luis Gil, Nestor Cortes, Carlos Ródon, and Gerrit Cole at his disposal, Boone can strategically navigate through both games with flexibility. Will Warren is set to take the mound for the second game of the doubleheader, further showcasing Boone's calculated approach to optimize his rotation for the coming days.
Despite this shake-up, Boone expressed confidence in Stroman's current state. "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."
Stroman's season has been a tale of two halves. He started strong, posting a 6-2 record with an impressive 2.82 ERA over his first 14 starts. However, his recent performances have faltered; in his last eight starts, he has managed just one win against four losses, with his ERA ballooning to 6.87. Notable recent outings include a game against Boston where he allowed five runs on nine hits in just 3 1/3 innings, and a rough performance against the Toronto Blue Jays, giving up seven runs on eight hits over 2 2/3 innings.
One area of concern has been Stroman's velocity. His fourseam fastball has averaged 88.8 miles per hour recently, compared to his season average of 89.8 mph. This slight dip might seem negligible but could be indicative of larger issues at play.
As it stands, the Yankees hold a 67-46 record and are sitting at the top of the AL East by a narrow half-game margin. This brief hiatus and subsequent doubleheader challenge will be pivotal for maintaining their lead and momentum.
In a season often dictated by routine and repetition, the Yankees' ability to adapt on the fly will be crucial. With Boone's strategic shuffling of the rotation and confidence in his pitchers' capabilities, the team is poised to handle this curveball with poise and precision.