The New York Yankees made a surprising decision involving Marcus Stroman after he's been involved in trade rumors throughout the offseason.

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.

TAMPA, Fla. — Marcus Stroman reported to Yankees spring training on Friday after missing the first two days of workouts and said he will refuse to pitch out of the bullpen. “I won’t pitch in the bullpen. I’m a starter,” he said, repeating ”I’m a starter” seven times in a 13-second span.

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],

The New York Yankees would love to find a taker for Marcus Stroman and at least some of his hefty contract, and they're determined to give him every chance to show off his worth during spring training.

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.