Yankees’ Stroman Set to Start Grapefruit League Opener Against Rays

TAMPA, Fla. — Marcus Stroman will take the mound for the New York Yankees in their Grapefruit League opener against the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday at George M. Steinbrenner Field. The decision marks a critical moment for the veteran right-hander, who has faced uncertainty regarding his future with the team.

Stroman arrived late to spring training, missing the first two workouts but has been assured by manager Aaron Boone that his absence had no bearing on his relationship with the Yankees. ‘It’s just how the live BP and everything worked out,’ Boone explained following Wednesday’s full-squad practice.

Despite Stroman’s late start, Boone emphasized that the right-hander is ready for action. ‘His bullpens have been a lot of volume and pretty intense. He’s ready to roll,’ he stated, confirming that Stroman would pitch for one inning in the matchup against the Rays.

This season, Stroman is owed $18 million, and the Yankees have openly explored trade options during the offseason. However, with injuries likely to affect other teams throughout spring training, the Yankees may soon receive calls from clubs in need of an experienced pitcher.

Clarke Schmidt, another Yankees’ starter, is dealing with a ‘cranky back,’ Boone noted, but he does not foresee it being a significant issue. Schmidt has not faced hitters since the initial bullpen session last Friday.

‘Really, he’s fine,’ Boone remarked. ‘We’ve kept him throwing but we just slowed him down. He even threw pretty aggressively a flat side today.’ Schmidt’s health will remain a watch point as spring progresses.

Meanwhile, Luis Gil, who had an impressive AL Rookie of the Year campaign last season, threw a successful 27 pitches of live batting practice on Wednesday. ‘It looked like his offseason was the right one,’ Boone reflected on Gil’s preparedness for the season ahead.

In addition to player updates, Boone revealed that the Yankees have begun experimenting with the automated ball-strike (ABS) challenge system. Implemented during Wednesday’s practice, the system will be tested in all home games this spring as MLB explores its potential use for the 2026 regular season. Boone expressed ambivalence about the system, stating he prefers the traditional approach to officiating.

As spring training unfolds, the Yankees will continue to assess their pitching options and resolve the roles within their starting rotation, with Stroman’s situation remaining a key aspect to monitor.