Title: Analyzing Marcus Stroman’s Recent Struggles on the Mound
Introduction:
Marcus Stroman, the New York Yankees’ right-hander, has been experiencing a downturn in his performance on the mound recently. After a strong start to the season, Stroman’s struggles have become more evident in his last few outings. In this article, we will delve into the mechanical issues that have contributed to his decline and explore potential solutions to help him regain his form.
Identifying and Addressing Mechanical Issues:
Stroman firmly believes that he has identified some mechanical issues that have been affecting his performance. To address these concerns, the Yankees decided to push back his start from Friday to Sunday, providing him with extra time for a bullpen session. Stroman utilized this opportunity to work on these issues, focusing on making his delivery more repetitive. He recognizes that finding and making adjustments are part of the game, and his experience in the league has taught him that he can bounce back from these spurts of inconsistency.
The Lingering Struggles and Concerns:
Although Stroman acknowledges that his recent struggles have been frustrating, he remains optimistic about his overall performance throughout the season. However, it is crucial to note that these struggles extend beyond his last few starts. Stroman’s ERA has risen significantly in his past ten outings, compared to his impressive performance in his first twelve starts with the Yankees. His most recent outings have been particularly alarming, with early exits against the Red Sox and the Blue Jays.
Analyzing the Factors:
Beyond the mechanical issues, other factors have contributed to Stroman’s decline. Notably, the Yankees’ rotation as a whole has been underperforming since June 15, with an MLB-worst 6.15 ERA during this period. Stroman’s struggles are part of this larger trend, highlighting the challenges the team faces in maintaining consistent pitching performances.
The Role of Velocity and Location:
Stroman’s recent dip in fastball velocity has raised concerns among fans and analysts alike. However, Stroman himself does not view it as a significant issue. He emphasizes that as long as he can locate his pitches effectively and generate movement, velocity is not a primary concern for him. Instead, he focuses on improving his location and the action on his pitches to regain his effectiveness on the mound.
Moving Forward:
To address Stroman’s struggles comprehensively, the added bullpen session aimed to fine-tune his delivery and make it more consistent. By addressing the mechanical issues and emphasizing repetition, Stroman aims to regain his form and contribute positively to the Yankees’ rotation.
Conclusion:
Marcus Stroman’s recent struggles on the mound have raised concerns about his performance. However, his belief in his ability to bounce back, combined with a focus on addressing mechanical issues, offers hope for improvement. The Yankees will undoubtedly rely on Stroman’s experience and determination as they work towards turning around their underperforming rotation. By being proactive and identifying the root causes of his struggles, Stroman can regain his effectiveness and contribute significantly to the team’s success.
