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],

After a planned one-inning start, Marcus Stroman said he has “zero” regrets about stating he would not pitch out of the bullpen this season. The righty, the subject of trade rumors and apparent odd man out of the Yankees’ rotation,

It has been difficult to miss his absence from drills, when some starters are already throwing live batting practice sessions.