The New York Yankees are currently 43-31 and hold a two-game lead over the Tampa Bay Rays for first place in the American League East.
The Yankees have struggled lately and dropped six games in a row before defeating the Los Angeles Angels 7-3 on Thursday.
Not only are the Yankees struggling, but former two-time All-Star righty Marcus Stroman is struggling.
Stroman, 34, made just three starts this season before landing on the injured list with knee inflammation on April 12. He is 0-1 with an 11.57 ERA and a 2.04 WHIP over 9.1 innings.
Stroman received a cortisone shot in his left knee on April 13 and then felt discomfort throwing live batting practice on May 11.
Stroman made his first rehab start for Double-A Sommerset on June 11 and pitched 3.1 innings, striking out four batters. He allowed one run on one hit and two walks.
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On Wednesday, Stroman made his second rehab start and threw another 3.1 innings and allowed three runs (two earned) on two hits and one walk. He struck out four batters.
Stroman’s tenure with the Yankees has been shaky. Coming into Spring Training this season, Stroman made comments about being a starter and refusing to work out of the bullpen.
Considering Will Warren hasn’t done great so far this season, Stroman shouldn’t have to worry about his status as a starter when he returns from injury.
But if Stroman continues to struggle in Double-A, who knows what his role will be when he comes off the injured list.
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