Marcus Stroman appeared to be the fallback option for the New York Yankees this off-season after they failed to land Yoshinobu Yamamoto in an eventful free agency. Stroman signed a two-year $37 million deal with an option for the third year, given he meets the innings pitched criteria.
While Marcus Stroman, a Long Island native, delivered a strong start in the first two months of the season, he is falling off the bandwagon as the season enters its final stretch. And given the pitcher’s concerning funks, New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone took a bold decision to reschedule his upcoming start.
Marcus Stroman’s Next Start Pushed Back To Sunday!
The New York Yankees were forced to tweak its rotation schedule given the doubleheader scheduled on Wednesday at the last moment following a rain washout on Tuesday. Luis Gil and prospect Will Warren pitch in two games against the Angels held on Wednesday. However, for the rest of the week, manager Aaron Boone confirmed a couple of more changes. Marcus Stroman, who’s struggles have only witnessed a steep rise since June, will pitch on Sunday now instead of his original Friday schedule. Nestor Cortes will start on Thursday, followed by Carlos Rodon on Friday, and ace Gerrit Cole on Saturday. Stroman will pitch on Sunday, as Boone wants to allow him more time to refine his mechanics.
“I just felt like there’d be some benefit in Stro having a couple of bullpens to work through some things,” Aaron Boone said. The manager clarified that Marcus Stroman is absolutely fine physically. His velocity drop is also not a matter of deep concern. Notably, Stroman’s last start against the Blue Jays lasted only 2.2 innings as he allowed seven runs on eight hits. He hasn’t pitched a complete six innings since June 22. In the last six starts, Stroman owns a 7.56 ERA over 25 innings while allowing six home runs. His season tally stands at a 7-6 record with a 4.10 ERA across 22 starts. Needless to say, the pitcher’s downward trend is concerning as he went through a similar trajectory last year as well. The New York Yankees definitely view him as a postseason starter, and hence, such bouts of implosion would impact the team’s playoff plans negatively.
Clarke Schmidt Eyes Imminent Return To Yankees Rotation
Marcus Stroman’s troubles are expected to increase as Clarke Schmidt is gunning for his spot on the New York Yankees’ starting rotation. Initially sidelined with a lat strain injury, the pitcher threw a bullpen session on Tuesday before the rain washout. He is expected to throw another live BP session later in the week.
After that, the Yankees will take a call on whether to assign Clarke Schmidt a minor league rehab assignment or allow him more time to build up with a third BP session. Regardless, Schmidt’s return before the end of August seems an achievable timeline. Hence, if Stroman’s struggles continue to advance in the next two weeks, Schmidt might take his place upon return.
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