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.

TAMPA — Marcus Stroman started the Yankees’ 4-0 win over the Rays in the Grapefruit League opener Friday and tossed a scoreless inning.

The righty, the subject of trade rumors and apparent odd man out of the Yankees’ rotation, started the club’s spring training opener at George M. Steinbrenner Field on Friday. Shortly after exiting what became a 4-0 win over the Rays, Stroman added he has “zero worry” about how the Yankees’ rotation will shake out.