Marcus Stroman is getting extra time to get over his slump.
Following Tuesday’s rainout (and the game being closed Monday), the Yankees plan to move Stroman back to the mound on Sunday and allow their starters to throw some extra bullpen innings, manager Aaron Boone said Wednesday.
Stroman had been tipped to replace starter Nestor Cortes in Thursday’s series finale against the Angels, but instead will return to the rotation against the Rangers on Sunday after Carlos Rodon started on Friday and Gerrit Cole started on Saturday.
“I thought there would be some benefit to having a couple of bullpens up there for Sutro to sort out some issues,” Boone said before a doubleheader against the Angels at Yankee Stadium.
Boone said Stroman had a “very good bullpen session” on Tuesday as he worked on his pitching motion and will likely repeat it on Thursday or Friday.
By moving Stroman back, Rodon and Cole will be able to pitch on five days’ rest instead of six. Both Luis Gil (Wednesday) and Cortes will pitch on six days’ rest this week.
Stroman last pitched against the Blue Jays on Friday, giving up seven runs and eight hits in 2 2/3 innings on a night when his velocity significantly dropped.
“I’m not too worried [the velocity drop]“We’re keeping an eye on it, but with what he’s been working on and the tape he’s watched and how the bullpen is going, I felt like he’s in pretty good shape right now. [Tuesday]”…So I’m not too worried. And I’m feeling fine.”
Still, Stroman hadn’t pitched a full six innings since June 22, and at that point had a 3.15 ERA in 16 starts.
In his six starts since then, the veteran right-hander has posted a 7.56 ERA and allowed six home runs in 25 innings.
Stroman started strong last year before his performance began to decline in late June, but he previously attributed it to hip issues that affected his athleticism and ultimately led to a stint on the disabled list.
