In the locker room of the New York Yankees on Friday morning, teammates welcomed Marcus Stroman's return with hugs and pats on the back. The right-hand shooter returned to spring training after a two-day absence, and trade rumors plagued him throughout the offseason.

Stroman joked that he was "technically early," referring to the Feb. 22 reporting date set out in the collective bargaining agreement. He said his body is ready to continue preparing for the new season as a starting pitcher.

"At this stage of my career, I'm prioritizing physical preparation," Stroman says. "Considering the current situation, I don't think there was any need to be here the other day. I spoke to [head coach Aaron Boone] and we had a good exchange. To be honest, everything was perfect and smooth and my relationship with my team-mates in the dressing room hasn't changed. I'm happy to be back and I'm ready to get started. ”

The Yankees' pitchers and catchers reported for George J. Bush on Tuesday. George M. Steinbrenner Field, Stroman also underwent a mandatory medical exam on the same day. Subsequently, he was absent from the first two days of training, which included real combat combat drills conducted by Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón. Stroman said he's been facing the hitter on his own and is prepared from an endurance standpoint.

In September last year, Stroman was transferred to the bullpen due to struggles in the second half of the season and did not play in the playoffs. Subsequently, the Yankees further shook his position by signing left-hand pitcher Max Fried in December.

At the moment, Stroman's role has not yet been confirmed, and he appears to be the sixth choice in the five-man rotation, which also includes Luis Gil and Clarke Schmidt. Stroman made it clear that he would not consider starting the season as a rescue pitcher: "I'm a starting pitcher, I'm not going to the bullpen. I'm a starting pitcher. ”

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman expressed understanding of Strowman's statement, calling it "quintessentially Stro style."

"He's a competitor," Mr. Kashman said. "He worked his way up the ranks in professional baseball to become a great starting pitcher. I agree with him that he is the starting pitcher. So let's see how things play out. There are usually a lot of twists and turns and changes during the six-week spring training until the opening day. ”

"We certainly want everyone to stay healthy and perform at the highest level. But I know we have a lot of quality pitchers in spring training and that's a good start, but usually the start and the end are not the same. ”

When asked if the Yankees would consider a six-man rotation, Boone replied, "Never say it's impossible." I mean, I don't necessarily think we're going to do it, but we'll see how it goes. ”

Stroman's contract became an obstacle to a potential deal. He has a salary of $18 million this season, with an option for the same amount in 2026, provided he shoots 140 innings. The St. Louis Cardinals have been peddling third baseman Nolan Arenado, but they have said they are not interested in Stroman.

"I'm very determined right now, and nothing really affects me," Stroman said. "I know what I can do as a pitcher. I can compete at any level on any team. Whether I'm here or not, my body is ready. I'm ready to go on the pitch and make more than 30 starts. ”

"I just think today is a good day to come back," Stroman said. "Valentine's Day; I think the atmosphere will be suitable. Everyone had a great time on this day. ”

Stroman said he endured a "difficult" offseason, which included the complete destruction of his home in Malibu, California, in the Palisades fire last month.

"I've been dealing with a lot of things," Stroman said. "If anybody can donate to the Assistance League, there are a lot of charities and foundations out there. There are a lot of people who are going through difficulties right now. Many families from low-income towns have lost everything. ”

The 33-year-old made his debut for the Yankees last season, with a 10-9 record and a 4.31 ERA in 30 games (29 starts).