Marcus Stroman gives one-word message in response to sudden Yankees departure
Last season’s American League Rookie of the Year, Luis Gil, is set to return from the IL and make his season debut against the Marlins on Sunday, making the struggling Stroman expendable.
The Yankees are also apparently comfortable with Will Warren and rookie Cam Schlittler taking starting rotation spots for the time being.
Marcus Stroman appeared to say his goodbyes to the Yankees on Friday.Marcus Stroman/Instagram
“Obviously, that was tough today,” manager Aaron Boone said Friday. “The perception around Stro, for us, did not meet the guy we got to be around the last couple [of] years. He’s an awesome competitor.
“But yeah, I think it’s a case of we think Warren and Schlittler are ready to be in the rotation full-time. Just felt like with some more moves probably coming over the next few days at least, the timing was right.”
New York Yankees pitcher Marcus Stroman (0) reacts after walking Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Johan Rojas (not pictured) with the bases loaded to surrender a run during the fourth inning at Yankee Stadium.IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Stroman, 34, posted a 6.23 ERA across nine starts before the franchise cut ties.
The right-hander missed about two-and-a-half months with knee inflammation.
Stroman signed a two-year, $37 million contract ahead of the 2024 season, and didn’t exactly make the best first impression, recording a 4.31 ERA in 30 games (29 starts) in his first year.
During spring training, Stroman showed up late to Yankees camp after the franchise explored trading him over the winter.
After it appeared he may be the odd man out in the Yankees’ rotation in the spring, Stroman emphatically stated that wouldn’t go to the bullpen, saying, “I’m a starter” 11 times during a 10-minute session with reporters.
