Marcus Stroman has ‘zero’ regrets following bullpen comments as Yankees win spring opener
Another depth starter went down in the exhibition.
TAMPA — After a planned one-inning start, Marcus Stroman said he has “zero” regrets about stating he would not pitch out of the bullpen this season.
The righty, the subject of trade rumors and apparent odd man out of the Yankees’ rotation, started the club’s spring training opener at George M. Steinbrenner Field on Friday. Shortly after exiting what became a 4-0 win over the Rays, Stroman added he has “zero worry” about how the Yankees’ rotation will shake out.
“I haven’t thought about it, to be honest,” said Stroman, who allowed two hits and struck out one over 13 pitches. “I know who I am as a pitcher. I’m a very confident pitcher. I don’t think you’d want someone in your starting rotation that would be like, ‘Hey, I’m gonna go to the bullpen.’ That’s not someone you want.”
The veteran also said teammates have echoed that sentiment.
Stroman, 33, reported to Yankees camp for physicals on time before not participating in the team’s first two official workouts for pitchers and catchers. When he did arrive, he repeatedly said that he’s a starter and noted that he would not pitch out of the bullpen. The latter comment created a stir, but Stroman has been a starter for the vast majority of his career.
On Friday, the 5-7 veteran said he takes a lot of pride in being a starter after being told he was too small early in his career.
“Go look at my career,” said Stroman, who struggled in the second half last season and didn’t pitch during the Yankees’ playoff run. “I’ve been doing this for a long time at a high level, and I keep my body healthy. I pride myself on that.”
“It’s a story, but honestly, it should not be a story. It’s comical to me, honestly, that it is a story.”
SPRING STANDOUTS
While Stroman started on Friday, young righty Will Warren threw the most innings and pitches, blanking the Rays over two frames and 36 offerings. Warren also totaled one hit, one walk and three strikeouts.
Offensively, newcomers Cody Bellinger and Paul Goldschmidt each had hits. Goldschmidt ripped an RBI double in the first, which scored two following an error.
“We expect those guys to play a huge role for us this year, so to get them out there and see them in pinstripes was exciting for me,” Aaron Boone said. “Looking forward to seeing that a lot.”
Jasson Domínguez, who notably found himself in the leadoff spot, drew a walk, scored a run and picked up an RBI.
BRUBAKER GOES DOWN
JT Brubaker, a depth option for the rotation, went down in the fifth inning after a line drive struck him in the back. He then exited the exhibition.
When asked about the right-hander after the game, however, Boone said Brubaker actually “tweaked his side” while trying to avoid the comebacker.
“They’re treating him for that,” the manager said. “We’ll see what we have here in the coming days.”