New York Yankees pitcher Marcus Stroman’s return to the mound remains shrouded in uncertainty as the team braces for a pivotal series against the Cleveland Guardians. The 33-year-old right-hander, sidelined since April 13 with left knee inflammation, has begun light throwing sessions—a tentative step forward. But with a brutal 11.57 ERA marring his early-season outings, the Yankees face a dilemma: rush back a struggling ace or buy time for a reset.
Marcus Stroman’s murky path to the mound
Stroman’s progress, while encouraging, offers little clarity. Manager Aaron Boone confirmed the veteran has resumed playing catch after receiving a cortisone shot last weekend to combat swelling. However, the Yankees have yet to outline a rehab timeline, signaling caution with a pitcher whose early struggles (9.1 IP, 14 ER, 8 BB) destabilized their rotation. “We’re taking it day by day,” Boone told reporters, emphasizing patience over urgency.
The injury couldn’t have come at a worse time. Marcus Stroman’s knee issue flared amid a career-worst stretch, raising concerns about his mechanics and durability. His signature sinker, which generated a 53% groundball rate in 2023, has lacked bite this year, contributing to a bloated 2.04 WHIP. While cortisone injections can reduce inflammation, they’re a Band-Aid, not a cure—especially for a pitcher reliant on lower-body drive.
New York Yankees’ pitching puzzle
With Stroman sidelined, the Yankees have turned to depth arms like Clayton Beeter and Cody Poteet to plug rotation gaps. Neither has Stroman’s pedigree, but their serviceable performances (Beeter: 3.86 ERA in two starts) lessen the pressure to rush the two-time All-Star. Cleveland’s lineup, featuring José Ramírez and Josh Naylor, demands precision—a tall order for a rusty Marcus Stroman.
Internally, the Yankees may view this hiatus as a chance to recalibrate. Stroman’s early struggles suggest underlying issues beyond the knee, possibly linked to offseason adjustments or diminished command. Extended rest could provide a reset, but with Gerrit Cole’s return still weeks away, New York’s rotation remains in flux.
As of now, Marcus Stroman’s availability for the Guardians series seems unlikely. Throwing catch is a far cry from facing MLB hitters, and the Yankees’ cautious approach hints at a lengthier buildup. Fantasy managers and fans should monitor bullpen sessions later this week, but temper expectations. Stroman’s 2024 resurgence depends less on his knee and more on rediscovering the form that made him a $37 million gamble—one the Yankees desperately need to pay off.