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 will start the Yankees’ spring training opener on Friday against the Rays at George M. Steinbrenner Field, but it has nothing to do with his role or status on the trading block. “It’s just how the live BPs and everything [worked out],