Yankees and Angels Face Rainout: Shuffling Rotations for Doubleheader
The rhythms of the baseball season are often marked by unexpected turns, and Tuesday night brought just such a twist for the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Angels as the Bronx was drenched in rain, leading to a rainout. This unforeseen pause came right after a day off for the Yankees on Monday, causing both teams to reconsider their starting rotations.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone, making adjustments on the fly, opted to skip Marcus Stroman's scheduled start. Instead, Stroman, who last took the mound on the preceding Friday, is now slated to pitch on Sunday, August 11. This adjustment means Stroman will enter his next outing with a full eight days of rest, a strategic call by Boone aimed to rejuvenate the pitcher.
"I just felt like there'd be some benefit in Stro having a couple of bullpens to work through some things," Boone remarked, underscoring his faith in the veteran pitcher. Despite Stroman's recent 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."
The Yankees now face the significant challenge of a doubleheader on Wednesday. With a versatile rotation that includes Luis Gil, Nestor Cortes, Carlos Rodón, and Gerrit Cole, Boone can approach this hurdle with a strategic and flexible mindset. The second game of the doubleheader will see Will Warren taking the ball, enabling Boone to align the Yankees' rotation effectively for the days ahead.
This change in schedule could be an opportunity for the Yankees, who currently hold a 67-46 record and sit atop the AL East by a narrow half-game margin, to solidify their position. The extra rest might just give Stroman the edge he needs to regain his form. Once a reliable arm, Stroman posted a solid 6-2 record with a 2.82 ERA over his first 14 starts. However, his recent performance has left much to be desired. In his last eight starts, Stroman has recorded just one win against four losses, with a concerning ERA of 6.87.
Stroman's recent struggles were highlighted in outings against Boston and Toronto. Against the Red Sox, he allowed five runs on nine hits in just 3 1/3 innings. His game against the Blue Jays saw him give up seven runs on eight hits in only 2 2/3 innings. Additionally, his fourseam fastball velocity dipped slightly, averaging 88.8 miles per hour compared to his season average of 89.8 mph.
These numbers suggest that Stroman has some issues to address, but Boone’s decision to give him additional rest and bullpen sessions speaks of a well-founded confidence in his pitcher’s ability to rebound. With the Yankees engaged in a tight race for the top spot in the AL East, every game becomes crucial, and the manager’s choices are pivotal.
As the team readies itself for the doubleheader, the flexibility Boone has with his current rotation could be crucial. The combination of Luis Gil, Nestor Cortes, Carlos Rodón, Gerrit Cole, and the addition of Will Warren provide plenty of options. This depth, if managed effectively, could help the Yankees maintain their edge in the standings as the season progresses.
The baseball season is always unpredictable, filled with its own set of challenges and surprises. For the Yankees and their fans, the hope is that these recent adjustments in the pitching rotation not only address immediate concerns but also set the stage for a rejuvenated team ready to take on whatever comes their way. With the right balance of rest and strategy, the Yankees are poised to navigate these unexpected turns with a clear eye on success.