TAMPA — After a deliberate one-inning begin, Marcus Stroman stated he has “zero” regrets about stating he wouldn’t pitch out of the bullpen this season.
The righty, the topic of commerce rumors and obvious odd man out of the Yankees’ rotation, began the membership’s spring coaching opener at George M. Steinbrenner Discipline on Friday. Shortly after exiting what grew to become 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,” stated 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 additionally stated teammates have echoed that sentiment.
Stroman, 33, reported to Yankees camp for physicals on time earlier than not taking part within the crew’s first two official exercises for pitchers and catchers. When he did arrive, he repeatedly stated that he’s a starter and famous that he wouldn’t pitch out of the bullpen. The latter remark created a stir, however Stroman has been a starter for the overwhelming majority of his profession.
On Friday, the 5-7 veteran stated he takes quite a lot of delight in being a starter after being informed he was too small early in his profession.
“Go look at my career,” stated Stroman, who struggled within the second half final season and didn’t pitch in the course of 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
Whereas Stroman began on Friday, younger righty Will Warren threw probably the most innings and pitches, blanking the Rays over two frames and 36 choices. Warren additionally totaled one hit, one stroll and three strikeouts.
Offensively, newcomers Cody Bellinger and Paul Goldschmidt every had hits. Goldschmidt ripped an RBI double within 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 stated. “Looking forward to seeing that a lot.”
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Jasson Domínguez, who notably discovered himself within the leadoff spot, drew a stroll, scored a run and picked up an RBI.
BRUBAKER GOES DOWN
JT Brubaker, a depth choice for the rotation, went down within the fifth inning after a line drive struck him within the again. He then exited the exhibition.
When requested in regards to the right-hander after the sport, nonetheless, Boone stated Brubaker really “tweaked his side” whereas attempting to keep away from the comebacker.
“They’re treating him for that,” the supervisor stated. “We’ll see what we have here in the coming days.”
