TAMPA — Marcus Stroman was absent for the first two days of camp, but he will be on the mound for the first Grapefruit League exhibition.
Stroman will start Friday’s game against the Rays at Steinbrenner Field, manager Aaron Boone said Wednesday, putting the potential odd man out of the Yankees’ rotation right into the spotlight.
The veteran right-hander has not faced hitters since arriving at camp on Friday, but had done so beforehand and will just throw one inning on Friday.
“His bullpens have been a lot of volume and pretty intense,” Boone said. “He’s ready to roll.”
The Yankees tried to trade Stroman over the offseason but have been unable to do so to this point.
Marcus Stroman (c.) throws in the bullpen as Yankees manager Aaron Boone (r.) and pitching coach Matt Blake (l.) look on, on Feb. 15, 2025.Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
Marcus Stroman (r.) talks with Max Fried (l.) at Yankees spring training on Feb.14, 2025.Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
If their rotation stays healthy throughout camp — which is far from a guarantee — Stroman appears to be the sixth starter with an uncertain role, though he made it clear upon reporting to camp that he will not pitch out of the bullpen and he views himself as a starter.
Now Stroman will be the Yankees’ first starter of the Grapefruit League schedule.
