Yankees’ Marcus Stroman Makes Massive Admission Ahead of Return

During the offseason in spring training, there were many rumors that the New York Yankees could look to move on from right-hander Marcus Stroman. Stroman has put together an excellent career for himself, but certainly isn’t an ace at this stage of his career. 

However, he’s still a valuable arm, typically finding ways to eat innings. He’s unfortunately been dealing with a knee injury, but is expected to return sometime in the near future after throwing in a rehab outing earlier in the week.

This time around, Stroman won’t be working out of the rotation, more than likely, as the Yankees could use help in the bullpen.

Stroman’s Offseason Drama

When all the drama happened during the offseason and Spring Training for the New York Yankees, Stroman suggested that he didn’t want to throw out of the bullpen. However, earlier in the week, he walked back those comments, saying that he’s open to anything. 

He later added that the team is very good, and he understands that he has to do whatever it takes for the Yankees to win games.

“I’m open to anything,” Stroman said after making his first rehab start at Double-A, per The Athletic… “Just very open to whatever it may be.

“I think everybody who has been a starter would want to be a starter,” he said. “I think that’s just natural at this point. I don’t think anybody who has had a career like I’ve had starting would just voluntarily say … you know. But obviously, we have an incredible team, you don’t know how the season’s going to play out. There’s always a bunch of things that happen. So, yeah, I’m looking to get back to 100 percent, which I feel pretty close (to). Build my pitch count and take it from there.”

In Spring Training, however, Stroman’s comments were much different.

“I’m a starter,” he said at the time. “I won’t pitch in the bullpen.”

Has the Relationship Been Repaired?

The New York Yankees certainly couldn’t have been too happy with Stroman’s comments during the Spring, as it didn’t help his value around the league, either. 

However, they weren’t able to trade him, and he remains on the roster. With the injuries the Yankees have faced on the mound, it might be better that they didn’t move him.

When discussing the situation a few months ago, Brian Cashman admitted that it wasn’t a big deal. 

It was a surprising reaction to Stroman’s comments, who didn’t seem like he wanted to help his team out. Instead, Cashman viewed this as Stroman saying that he’s a competitor, which he’s proven to be throughout his career. 

If there’s one thing that Stroman can’t be knocked for, it’s his willingness to go out there and compete at the highest level. He’s done it every day of his life since the 2014 season, as there’s a reason he’s been in the league for 10 years now.

“That’s vintage Stro. He’s a competitor. And I agree with him, he is a starter. Let’s just see how everything plays out,” Cashman said, per Empire Sports Media.

“No big deal, he’s a pro. I know he’s in a good state of mind and good shape. Glad he got here today. Certainly always want people there from the jump, but getting to know Stro, he knows what it takes to get ready.”

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