A rainout on Tuesday night forced the Angels and Yankees to change their pitching plans.
With a day off on Monday, the Yankees decided to skip Marcus Stroman’s turn in the rotation. Stroman, who last pitched on Friday, will now take the mound again on Sunday, Aug. 11, giving him eight days of rest. Due to Monday’s off day and Tuesday’s postponement, the Yankees will play a doubleheader on Wednesday but can still use Luis Gil, Nestor Cortes, Carlos Ródon, and Gerrit Cole either on regular or extra rest leading up to Sunday. Will Warren is set to start the second game of Wednesday’s doubleheader.
Stroman started strong this season with a 6-2 record and a 2.82 ERA through 14 starts. However, his performance has slipped recently; in his last eight starts, he’s gone 1-4 with a 6.87 ERA. His most recent outings were rough: he allowed five runs on nine hits in just over three innings against Boston and then gave up seven runs on eight hits in less than three innings against the Blue Jays.
“I just felt like there’d be some benefit in Stro having a couple of bullpens to work through some things,” manager Aaron Boone told reporters Wednesday.
Manager’s Perspective:
Stroman showed decreased velocity in his last game with his four-seam fastball averaging 88.8 mph compared to his season average of 89.8 mph . Despite this dip, Boone remains unconcerned.
“I’m not too concerned about it,” Boone said Wednesday. “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.”
Fans might think it’s wise for Stroman to get extra rest given his recent struggles.
The Yankees head into their doubleheader Wednesday with a solid record of 67-46, holding first place in the AL East by half a game.
What do you think about these changes?
