Yankees and Angels: A Rainy Twist in the Bronx
The traditional rhythms of the baseball season often take unexpected turns, and Tuesday night brought one such twist for the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Angels. The Bronx skies opened up, leading to an unexpected rainout that forced both teams to reconsider their starting rotations.
The rainout came on the heels of a day off for the Yankees on Monday, presenting an unscheduled pause that required strategic adjustments. Yankees manager Aaron Boone made a decisive call, opting to skip Marcus Stroman's scheduled start. Stroman, who last took the mound on Friday, will now return to the rotation on Sunday, August 11, benefiting from an extended rest period.
"I just felt like there'd be some benefit in Stro having a couple of bullpens to work through some things," Boone explained. The additional eight days of rest could be just what Stroman needs as he looks to regain his form.
The altered schedule sets up a challenge for the Yankees in the form of a doubleheader on Wednesday. However, the team boasts a flexible rotation that includes Luis Gil, Nestor Cortes, Carlos Ródon, and Gerrit Cole, giving Boone the ability to approach the doubleheader with a strategic mindset. Will Warren is slated to take the ball for the second game on Wednesday, helping to align the Yankees' rotation for the upcoming days.
Stroman's Journey Amidst Struggles
Stroman's season has seen its share of highs and lows. Over his first 14 starts, he posted an impressive 6-2 record with a 2.82 ERA. Yet, the tides have turned in his last eight outings, during which he managed just one win against four losses, and his ERA surged to 6.87. His recent performances have been troubling, with an outing against Boston where he allowed five runs on nine hits in 3 1/3 innings, and another against the Toronto Blue Jays where he gave up seven runs on eight hits in just 2 2/3 innings.
Stroman’s fourseam fastball has also seen a slight dip in velocity, averaging 88.8 miles per hour compared to his season average of 89.8 mph. This minor yet significant detail could be contributing to his recent difficulties on the mound. Despite these challenges, Boone remains optimistic about Stroman's potential to bounce back.
"I'm not too concerned about it," Boone stated. "I pay attention to it, but I feel 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."
Yankees Stay on Top
Despite Stroman's struggles, the Yankees have maintained a strong position. With a 67-46 record, they sit atop the AL East by a narrow half-game margin. This success is a testament to the depth and resilience of the roster, which continues to perform even as individual players navigate their ups and downs. The upcoming games will be crucial as the Yankees aim to solidify their lead and continue their pursuit of postseason success.
The season is far from over, and with key players getting much-needed rest and the team adapting to unforeseen circumstances, the Yankees remain focused and ready for the challenges ahead. Boone's strategic decisions and the players' commitment to improvement will be pivotal as the team navigates the remainder of the schedule.