KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Marcus Stroman (knee inflammation) made his first rehab start on Wednesday with Double-A Somerset and afterward indicated a willingness to pitch in a role other than starting upon his return to the Yankees.
Early in spring training, when Stroman appeared to be the odd man out for the rotation, he was adamant that he was a starter and would not pitch out of the bullpen.
A few months later, that has changed.
“Just very open to whatever it may be, but it hasn’t even gotten that far,” Stroman said, according to video provided by Somerset, after throwing 46 pitches across 3 ¹/₃ innings.
“I could be open to that [the bullpen]. I’m just trying to make sure my body and my knee and my arm and mechanics, everything’s good.”
Even if he does come back as a starter, Stroman would be unlikely to reach the 140-inning mark that would have triggered an $18 million vesting option for next season.
Boone said he has not yet discussed a role with Stroman and was just focused on getting him healthy and built up.
