TAMPA — Marcus Stroman, the target of fan backlash over the past week, said he doesn’t realize he’s been the target of fan backlash over the past week.
Notably, the Yankees starter will not be the Opening Day starter after discussing the possibility with general manager Brian Cashman and manager Aaron Boone last week.
Members of the roundtable said Stroman could have gone to Nestor Cortez instead for the honor, but Boone and Stroman said he would remain on his regular schedule pitching in his third game of the season. He said he believes it should be the Yankees’ home opener.
Stroman said the team would have adjusted the schedule if they wanted, but the Yankees opposed it.
When the news broke and was interpreted as Stroman declining the traditional baseball honor, which he has won three times, there was also criticism of the right-hander for not adjusting his schedule.
“Did you?” Stroman said when informed. “I expressed my opinion, but I’m not on Twitter anymore. I don’t think I’ll see much of a response.
“But at this point, I don’t care about the fans’ reaction. I had to worry about my body and my mind, but I just try to give this team the best I can every day.” That’s what I’m focused on.”
Stroman wore a full uniform on Tuesday, playing against minor leaguers in a live batting practice session at Steinbrenner Field during the club’s off day.
He’s focused on his schedule and plans to stay healthy, especially after hip and rib cage issues nearly cost him the second half of last season with the Cubs.
It’s understandable that Stroman was offered the Opening Day gig just days after the Yankees learned of Gerrit Cole’s elbow problem.
But Boone said the offer was out of respect and he wanted to at least give Stroman a choice.
It’s also understandable that the group would want to keep Stroman’s pitching schedule uninterrupted.
“I’m very process-oriented, and I think you have to be that way to have longevity, to pitch at a high level for a long time,” said Stroman, who is entering his 10th season in the major leagues. . “I think you have to have a routine. I’m one with my body. I know what it takes to prepare. I know how to prepare.
“I’m looking forward to getting out there and starting 30 or more games. That’s my goal.”
The first season of a two-year, $37 million contract with his childhood favorite team is set to begin soon, and Stroman had a productive spring training with a 3.68 ERA.
His next and final outing is expected to be Sunday, leading to his Yankees debut March 30 in Houston.
Cortes would have had to make more changes to his schedule two days earlier, compared to the extra day of rest he had to prepare for Opening Day.
“We’d love to pitch on Opening Day, but at this point in our schedule, it’s very difficult to strategically place five players to get everyone where they need to be for the season.” [days’ rest] And let the players do what they have to do,” Stroman said. “When we sat there together, [Cashman and Boone], I was like, “Hey, if you need me, I’ll be ready for Opening Day.” But if you guys want me to stay, I’ll stay too. Whatever is best for the team. ”And they ended up deciding to keep me where I was. ”
