TAMPA — The real deal is still nearly six weeks away, but Marcus Stroman got his first taste Monday.
The Yankees’ new right-hander pitched three innings at Steinbrenner Field in uniform, accumulating practice in preparation for the regular season.
“It’s exciting to put on the pinstripes and feel it,” Stroman said. “It’s really nice to have a little bit of a crowd there. But yeah, it felt good. Now it’s just a matter of calling the mechanics and getting a good feel at the moment.”
Stroman was joined by Carlos Rodon, who took turns “up” during the live session, each throwing about 44 pitches.
Stroman was racking up strikeouts, but teammate Austin Wells hit a home run.
“Both players looked pretty sharp at this point in the spring,” manager Aaron Boone said.
Stroman’s next step is to pitch in one of the Yankees’ split-team Grapefruit League games on Sunday.
It’s another first for the Long Island native after signing a two-year, $37 million contract with the Yankees last month.
“I don’t know if I was imagining it, but [growing up]But playing for the New York Yankees as an organization is like the pinnacle of the sport,” Stroman said. “I think every player wants to be a Yankee someday when they embark on this journey to play at the highest level.
“This is like a global phenomenon that I grew up watching from a young age, even if I’m not from New York. It’s an honor. I’m so grateful and grateful to be a part of this organization. It’s an honor to wear pinstripes and I don’t take it lightly. I’m looking forward to getting to work.”
Growing up in the Dominican Republic, Juan Soto’s favorite player was former Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano.
Since then, Soto has gotten to know Cano and played together in the 2023 WBC, but has yet to discuss his time with the Yankees in detail.
“He congratulated me and told me how great it was here,” Soto said. “But we haven’t had a chance to talk about the organization and how it plays.” [here]”
Boone said all Yankees position players reported to camp as scheduled on Monday and were all healthy.
Rodon ditched his mustache this year, but Gleyber Torres got one, but hinted it might not last until opening day.
“I’m not perfect [in] The mustache,” Boone said with a laugh.
