The New York Yankees signed Marcus Stroman in the offseason in the hopes that he could bolster their shaky starting pitching rotation and help lift them over the top in 2024. Now, he could possibly be left off the roster for the team's upcoming American League Division Series against either the Kansas City Royals or Baltimore Orioles (Royals won Game 1 of AL Wild Card Series).
Manager Aaron Boone says a decision has not yet been made concerning Stroman's status, per MLB.com's Bryan Hoch. The veteran right-hander struggled in his last game, allowing six runs on 10 hits in only 3 1/3 innings pitched versus the O's last week. It might be tough to justify using him as a starter in the MLB playoffs given his lackluster 4.31 ERA this season, but the Yankees cannot afford to be too picky.
Yankees might be thin on pitching options
Despite its standing as the No. 1 seed in the AL, New York enters October with plenty of questions surrounding its pitching staff. Those uncertainties are accentuated now that southpaw Nestor Cortes is on the injured list with a flexor strain. Boone will need at least one guy who can be an innings eater out of the bullpen. While rookie Luis Gil may be the first choice to fill that role, Stroman's experience could be valuable to the Yanks.
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The two-time All-Star has scuffled this year and in his postseason career (4.40 ERA in five appearances from 2015-16), but his fiery personality might actually play well in the frenetic atmosphere Yankee Stadium provides during this time of year. Whether he is slotted in the rotation as the third pitcher behind Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon, or as a key long reliever out of the bullpen, the organization might find it prudent to have Stroman on the roster.
The Yankees still have a bit more time to make up their minds. They begin their quest for a 28th championship on Saturday in The Bronx. It would be quite a surprising turn of events if Marcus Stroman is not part of it.
