As the New York Yankees prepare for their upcoming American League Division Series clash, questions swirl about whether right-hander Marcus Stroman will make the playoff roster.
Despite signing Stroman in the offseason with hopes he’d strengthen their rotation, his place in the series against either the Kansas City Royals or Baltimore Orioles remains uncertain.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone admitted no decision has been made yet regarding Stroman’s status. “We’re still working through it,” he said.
Stroman struggled in his most recent start, surrendering six runs on 10 hits in just 3 1/3 innings against the Orioles last week. His 4.31 ERA this season doesn’t exactly bolster his case for a spot in the postseason starting rotation.
Despite securing the top seed in the American League, the Yankees face pressing concerns about their pitching depth.
Left-hander Nestor Cortes is sidelined with a flexor strain, leaving Boone in search of reliable arms.
Boone is tasked with finding someone who can provide length out of the bullpen, and while rookie Luis Gil may be the first option, Stroman’s veteran experience could be a factor in the decision-making process.
Though Stroman has had an inconsistent season, his postseason experience might be valuable.
He has made five playoff appearances, albeit with a 4.40 ERA in those outings from 2015-2016. His intensity on the mound could energize the team and the Yankee Stadium crowd, making him a potential asset during high-pressure situations.
Having said that, you won’t find too many Yankees fans who are ultra-confident in the inconsistent veteran.
Whether Stroman earns a spot in the rotation behind Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón or takes on a long-relief role remains to be seen.
The Yankees could benefit from his experience, even if his regular season hasn’t lived up to expectations. New York will open their postseason run on Saturday at Yankee Stadium, aiming for their 28th World Series title.
It certainly seems like this is the Bombers best chance in several years to break their (relatively) long World Series drought.
Should Stroman be on the ALDS roster???