Yankees and Angels Forced to Adjust Rotations After Rainout
Baseball often takes unexpected turns, and for the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Angels, Tuesday night added another twist to the season’s narrative. A rainout in the Bronx pushed both teams to rethink their starting rotations and approach.
The Yankees, who had a day off on Monday, faced an unscheduled pause, leaving manager Aaron Boone to make critical adjustments. One significant decision was to skip Marcus Stroman's scheduled start. Stroman, who last pitched on Friday, August 2, will now return to the mound with eight days of rest on Sunday, August 11. This break gives him ample time to recover and refine his techniques.
"I just felt like there'd be some benefit in Stro having a couple of bullpens to work through some things," Boone said, indicating his confidence in Stroman's ability to bounce back.
Indeed, Stroman has had a mixed bag of performances lately. With an impressive 6-2 record and a 2.82 ERA over his first 14 starts, his recent outings have been less stellar. In his last eight starts, Stroman managed just one win against four losses, with an elevated ERA of 6.87. Highlighting his struggles were games against the Boston Red Sox and the Toronto Blue Jays, where he conceded five runs on nine hits and seven runs on eight hits, respectively. Additionally, his four-seam fastball averaged 88.8 miles per hour, a slight dip from his season average of 89.8 mph.
"I'm not too concerned about it," Boone mentioned. "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."
Moving forward, the Yankees face the logistical challenge of a doubleheader on Wednesday. With a solid rotation lineup including Luis Gil, Nestor Cortes, Carlos Ródon, and Gerrit Cole at Boone’s disposal, the team can approach the day with a strategic mindset. Will Warren will take the ball for the second game, allowing Boone flexibility in how he distributes innings and manages pitcher fatigue.
The Yankees’ current standing offers some encouragement. With a 67-46 record, they are leading the AL East by a narrow half-game margin. However, maintaining this lead will require astute managerial decisions and strong performances from the players. The adjusted rotation sets the Yankees up for success in the coming days, provided the pitchers, including Stroman, capitalize on their rest and preparation.
For a team aiming for postseason success, every game, every pitch, and every managerial decision can be crucial. The unexpected rainout and subsequent reshuffling of the rotation epitomize the unpredictable nature of baseball. Yet, with the expertise of Boone and the talent of their roster, the Yankees are poised to navigate these challenges with confidence.