The Yankees are moving Marcus Stroman to the bullpen, at least for the time being. Stroman would have been lined up to make his next start on Sunday against the Red Sox, but manager Aaron Boone told reporters (including Brendan Kuty of The Athletic) that the Yankees plan to skip Stroman’s turn in the rotation. Instead, the right-hander will be available out of the bullpen.
Boone has had six healthy starting pitchers at his disposal since the Yankees reinstated Luis Gil and Clarke Schmidt from the injured list this past weekend. At first, it was Nestor Cortes who lost his spot in the rotation; he was scheduled to start last Saturday, but instead, he appeared as a piggyback reliever for Schmidt. However, Cortes returned to the rotation last night, tossing five innings of one-run ball against Boston. Boone says Cortes will remain in the rotation for at least his next start (per Jorge Castillo of ESPN).
Thus, Stroman is the odd man out this time around. Boone suggests the Yankees could stick with a five-man set-up the next time through the rotation as well (per Bryan Hoch of MLB.com), which likely means more time in the bullpen for Stroman. This surely comes as a disappointment for the veteran, who was certainly planning to be a full-time starter – and hopefully start in the postseason – when he signed a two-year, $37MM guarantee with the Yankees last offseason. That said, with the way he has performed this year, the Yankees’ decision shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise.
On the surface, Stroman got off to a typical start in 2024. Through the All-Star break, he was 7-4 with a 3.51 ERA. However, his underlying metrics were concerning, including a low strikeout rate (17.4%) a high walk rate (10.5%), a high home run rate (1.29 HR/9), and a career-worst 4.94 SIERA. His opponents produced a .330 expected wOBA, significantly higher than the .315 league average this season.
With all that in mind, it’s no wonder Stroman’s ERA has risen dramatically in the second half. He has given up 29 runs (26 earned) in 43 1/3 innings of work, good for a 5.40 ERA. Although he has improved his control (6.7% walk rate) and gotten his home runs in check (0.62 HR/9), he has only struck out 31 of the 195 batters he has faced (15.9% strikeout rate). His 4.48 SIERA marks an improvement from the first half, but it’s still poor. On top of that, Stroman’s expected wOBA has only gotten worse. He is one of 92 pitchers who have thrown at least 750 pitches since the All-Star break. Among that group, his .362 xwOBA ranks last.
Stroman was solid in his latest outing, tossing 5 1/3 and giving up three earned runs against the Royals. However, he lasted just 3 2/3 and gave up five runs on nine hits against the Rangers the start before that. All things considered, Stroman isn’t having a bad season, but simply put, the Yankees have five other starting pitchers who give them a better chance to win games right now.
Reigning AL Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole is a lock atop the rotation, while Gil is enjoying a tremendous rookie campaign. Schmidt was enjoying a breakout of his own before he hit the IL in late May. He looked just as sharp in his return last weekend. Carlos Rodón has had his ups and downs this year, but he has an ace pedigree and strong numbers in the second half (3.33 ERA, 3.17 SIERA). Finally, Cortes has had trials and tribulations of his own this season, but his overall numbers are stronger than Stroman’s, and Cortes has looked especially sharp his last two times out (1 ER, 12 K, 9 1/3 IP).
Funnily enough, Yankees GM Brian Cashman claimed back in 2019 that he didn’t trade for Stroman at that year’s deadline because he “felt [Stroman] would be in [the] bullpen in the postseason.” The righty seemed to take those comments personally, and Cashman ended up apologizing to him during negotiations this past winter (per Ronald Blum of the Associated Press). However, Stroman reportedly took the news that he would be moving to the bullpen with grace (per Hoch). According to Boone, Stroman will be “ready to go” in whatever role the team needs him down the stretch.
They’re not losing their spots in the rotation. The team is managing their starters down the stretch, but doing so without going to a six-man rotation.
Still Stroman has to be discontent bc he’s a creature of habit. Nestor only started on Opening Day bc Stroman didn’t want to change his routine to pitch that day. Anyway, it’s about the team.
It’s a good situation. They don’t have a lock down closer. If they get some extended innings from switching a starter with a mid right now then great. Smart strategy. The whole bullpen prospers.
He’s no better than OK. He has to know it. Gracious is what he should have been–he’s got a good contract (although surprisingly less that MLBTR pegged him for) and at this time of year, you have to be focussed on the playoffs
Can’t wait to hear him crying. Probably will get lit up his first time out
I doubt he will whine louder than Nestor did.
It’s all because of that Holms guy getting runs EVERY SINGLE TIME he pitches.
I’m sure he’ll handle it with grace and maturity…
He will handle it better than Nestor’s little hissy-fit. That was embarrassing.
“I’m never going to back down from a challenge, I’m never going to leave my teammates out to dry. You’re always going to get my best effort, no matter if I’m happy or not. That’s what I did today. I just came out there and proved that I can be put in any situation, and from here on out, if that’s what’s my role, then I’ll accept it.” -Nestor Cortez
I don’t think this qualifies as a hissy fit.
The hissy-fit occurred when he first heard about his changed role. This quote here is 24 hours later or so after he made his relief appearance.
NY was getting a break starting Stroman this time vs Boston.. Hamilton is on the IL and Duran a mini slump, so probably wouldn’t steal another 10 (lol) bases on him again.
If they had kept JP Sears instead of giving him away they would not have needed Rodon or Stroman
He is having a better year for a losing team !
Another Billy Beanne Cashman fleecing….⁹
Maybe Clay Holmes can start it.