Richard Dean
Updated on: October 11, 2024 2:06 am GMT
The New York Yankees are recalibrating their pitching strategy as they navigate the final stretch of the MLB season, moving veteran Marcus Stroman to the bullpen. This decision comes as the team looks to optimize its rotation, skipping Stroman’s next scheduled start against the Boston Red Sox and handing the ball instead to Nestor Cortes, who has shown promising results in recent outings.
Stroman’s Transition to the Bullpen
During a media briefing, Yankees manager Aaron Boone confirmed the shift, emphasizing that Stroman’s performance warranted the adjustment. With six healthy starters available following the activation of Luis Gil and Clarke Schmidt from the injured list, the Yankees opted to reposition Stroman. Initially, it was Cortes who seemed destined for a reduction in playing time, but his latest performance solidified his status in the rotation.
Boone noted that Cortes, who pitched five solid innings against the Red Sox, will remain in the rotation for at least his next outing. This leaves Stroman, who signed a two-year contract worth $37 million with the Yankees last offseason, as the odd man out for the time being.
Performance Metrics Under Scrutiny
Stroman’s current season reflects a challenging period. As of the All-Star break, he had a respectable record of 7-4 with a 3.51 ERA. However, his underlying statistics tell a different story. He has struggled with a low strikeout rate of 17.4%, a high walk rate of 10.5%, and a concerning 1.29 home runs allowed per nine innings. His SIERA—a measure of pitcher’s expected earned run average—stands at a career-low 4.94.
Since the All-Star break, Stroman’s performance has noticeably declined, as evidenced by an increase in his ERA to 5.40 over 43 1/3 innings, allowing 29 runs. Although his control has improved, and he has reduced home runs allowed to 0.62 per nine innings, his strikeout rate has dwindled to 15.9%. This alarming trend likely influenced the Yankees’ decision to temporarily reassign him to a relief role.
Impact of Current Pitching Rotation
The Yankees’ rotation currently features strong performances from several pitchers. Gerrit Cole remains the cornerstone, and both Gil and Schmidt are contributing significantly to the team’s success. Carlos Rodón, despite some ups and downs, has shown improvement in the second half of the season, and Cortes’s recent outings further cemented his place in the rotation.
This depth in the pitching roster has allowed the Yankees to forgo a six-man rotation, opting instead for a five-man setup, which Boone suggests may be maintained moving forward. By doing this, the team aims to manage pitchers’ workloads effectively while gearing up for postseason contention.
Stroman’s Response
Despite the disappointment of being moved from a starting role, reports suggest that Stroman took the news with professionalism. Boone indicated that Stroman will be “ready to go” in whatever capacity the team requires as the regular season closes. Such adaptability may prove essential for the Yankees as they seek to bolster their performance in crucial upcoming games.
Looking Ahead to the Postseason
As the Yankees eye the playoffs, strategic decisions regarding pitching staff are vital. The current landscape of Major League Baseball shows that having a reliable bullpen is critical, especially when the starters encounter challenges. While Stroman’s transition to the bullpen marks a shift in his plans, it may ultimately contribute to the team’s overall success in the postseason.
The Yankees face a challenging schedule ahead, and utilizing their available pitchers effectively will be key to maintaining their playoff ambitions. With Stroman ready and available in relief, the team has heightened its chances of navigating through both regular-season hurdles and postseason challenges.
Conclusion
As the season comes to an end, the New York Yankees have decided to move Marcus Stroman to the bullpen. They believe this will help them get better performances from other starting pitchers. This choice shows how important it is for the team to have a strong and balanced pitching plan as they get ready for the playoffs. With a talented group of players, the Yankees are working hard to finish the season on a high note.
