In an emerging contender for the title of "biggest early spring training story that will be forgotten by March," New York Yankees pitcher Marcus Stroman has not yet participated i

Marcus Stroman will start the Yankees' first spring training game on Friday against the Rays, per manager Aaron Boone.

Stroman will start Friday’s game against the Rays at Steinbrenner Field, manager Aaron Boone said Wednesday, putting the potential odd man out of the Yankees’ rotation right into the spotlight. The veteran right-hander has not faced hitters since arriving at camp on Friday, but had done so beforehand and will just throw one inning on Friday.

While speaking to reporters on Friday, Marcus Stroman said he is a “starter” and will not move to the bullpen. When asked about Stroman’s comments, New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone was seemingly more focused on the fact that it is still the middle of February.

Aaron Boone knows it’s a bad look that Marcus Stroman has skipped the first two on-field workouts for pitchers and catchers at Yankees spring training this week. The manager said Thursday that he wants Stroman at camp, seeing how this can add to the noise surrounding Stroman’s role and the trade rumors that have been swirling.

Marcus Stroman entered last spring, his first with the Yankees, with a clear role: unquestionably, a member of the starting rotation. This spring? Without a defined role but regardless of what that will be,

Aaron Boone spoke with the media today, revealing that the Yankees have named Marcus Stroman their starter for their Spring