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Yankees Pull Surprise Move, Temporarily Moving Starter to Bullpen

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The New York Yankees have decided to move starting pitcher Marcus Stroman to the bullpen temporarily. The team has skipped his next start in the rotation and plans to use Nestor Cortes as a starter. Stroman will be available as an option in the bullpen on Sunday against the Boston Red Sox.

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Yankees Starter Marcus Stroman Moved to Bullpen on Short-Term Basis

If anyone knows Stroman, they know he is the type of player who wears his heart on his sleeve and has shown a lot of emotion regarding change. However, in terms of his move to the pen, Manager Aaron Boone claimed that Stroman took the news well, commenting on his vital attributes as a player for the Bronx Bombers. “Stro has been so good for us and so good in the room. “He’s all about that team in there and the guys in there. Basically, his message to me is, ‘Whatever you need, and I’ll be ready to go.’ I think he wants to be part of a winner.”

Stroman’s respectful attitude toward the move positively showcased his maturity in the game. Most would generally assume that Stroman would have reacted unfavorably to the rotation change. But instead, he accepted the change with open arms. Like any player, Stroman wants to do what’s best for his team. If that means sacrifice, then so be it.

Looking Forward With Stroman & Cortes

Stroman will be doing the Yankees a big favor by helping out in the bullpen. This will be vital in the postseason if he does not return to the rotation. As a starter, he has put up decent numbers for the Yankees this season, going 10-8 with a 4.07 ERA. Stroman could provide a commanding presence as a reliever, becoming a potential game-changer in the postseason. The Yankees’ decision to move Stroman to the bullpen and stick with a five-man rotation was a bold but logical move.

Cortes has recently been a better pitcher than Stroman. In Stroman’s last two starts, the Yankees lost as he gave up eight runs combined. Sometimes, you have to shake things up on a pitching staff, and it will be interesting to see how Stroman’s pitching will translate in a reliever role. At this point in the season, with the Yankees pushing for the postseason, they must stick with consistency and their hotter hands. In Cortes’ last two starts, the Yankees won. Cortes is known for having a good fastball, helping him record nine strikeouts against the Red Sox in his last start.

 

Photo Credit: © Jim Cowsert-Imagn Images

 

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