The time is nearing for Marcus Stroman, who will soon pitch in Spring Training with the New York Yankees in a sort of test to see how ready he is to be a starter. It’s worth noting that weeks ago, Marcus Stroman made it clear that he didn’t want to be a reliever and that his sole focus is as a starter.

Access the Yankees beat like never before Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Greg Joyce about the inside buzz on the Yankees from spring training Try it free TAMPA — Marcus Stroman started the Yankees’ 4-0 win over the Rays in the Grapefruit League opener Friday and tossed a scoreless inning.

Marcus Stroman said it himself: he’s a starter. Yankees manager Aaron Boone announced that the veteran right-hander will start the Yankees’ Grapefruit League opener on Friday against the Tampa Bay Rays at George M.