Tuesday night delivered a twist in the typical rhythm of the baseball season for the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Angels. A rainout in the Bronx forced both teams to rethink their rotations and strategies for the coming days.
The unscheduled pause followed a day off for the Yankees on Monday. In an unexpected strategic shift, Yankees manager Aaron Boone opted not to start Marcus Stroman as initially planned. Stroman, who last took the mound on Friday, will instead pitch on Sunday, August 11. This decision gives Stroman eight days of rest before he faces the next competition.
With a doubleheader scheduled for Wednesday, this adjustment adds a layer of challenge and opportunity. Boone has the luxury of a flexible and strategic rotation, with Luis Gil, Nestor Cortes, Carlos Rodón, and Gerrit Cole available to tackle the two games. Additionally, Will Warren will take on the second game of the day, enabling Boone to align the Yankees' rotation for the forthcoming matchups effectively.
Reflecting on his decision, Boone explained, "I just felt like there'd be some benefit in Stro having a couple of bullpens to work through some things."
Stroman's recent performances have illustrated the need for this strategic pause. While he posted a solid 6-2 record with a 2.82 ERA over his first 14 starts, his subsequent eight outings have been less impressive. In those games, he managed just one win against four losses, with his ERA rising to 6.87. Notably, in a game against Boston, Stroman allowed five runs on nine hits over just 3 1/3 innings. Similarly, facing the Toronto Blue Jays, he gave up seven runs on eight hits in just 2 2/3 innings.
Beyond the concerning numbers, there has been a noticeable dip in Stroman's four-seam fastball velocity, which averaged 88.8 miles per hour compared to his season average of 89.8 mph. Despite these challenges, Boone remains optimistic about Stroman's situation. "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 stated.
The Yankees' current standing underscores the importance of these carefully made decisions. With a record of 67-46, they are leading the AL East by a narrow half-game margin. Every strategic move will be critical as they navigate the remainder of the season.
As the Yankees prepare for their doubleheader, Boone's approach exemplifies a blend of flexibility and calculated risk. By providing Stroman with additional rest and the chance to refine his form through bullpen sessions, Boone aims to optimize his pitcher's performance in the upcoming games. The availability of Gil, Cortes, Rodón, Cole, and Warren gives Boone a versatile set of options to handle the dual challenges of Wednesday and the days ahead.
This moment serves as a reminder of the intricacies and unpredictabilities of the baseball season. As the Yankees continue their pursuit of success, their ability to adapt to sudden changes, like a rainout, and make strategic choices will be key components of their journey.