Stroman insists: 'I won't pitch in bullpen' for Yankees

New York Yankees pitcher Marcus Stroman reported to spring training camp after missing the first two days, asserting his desire to remain a starting pitcher and not be relegated to the bullpen. Despite not being required to report until February 22, Stroman emphasized his role as a starter and dismissed any notion of being a reliever. Yankees manager Aaron Boone acknowledged Stroman's preference but noted that the team's current starting rotation does not include him and that his role will be evaluated over spring training. The Yankees had considered trading Stroman due to his high salary and surplus of starting pitchers, but no trade materialized. Stroman's stance comes as he deals with personal challenges, including losing his home in the California wildfires, while continuing to prepare for a starter's workload. Boone indicated that the team is focusing on getting Stroman ready as a starter, leaving open the possibility of reassessing his role as the season progresses.