Marcus Stroman is ignoring his Yankees reality as uncertainty lingers

TAMPA — On Feb. 25, Marcus Stroman looked ready for the season, both in his sharpness and in his wardrobe choice: a full pinstriped uniform and pinstriped cap, standing out in a live batting practice at Steinbrenner Field on Tuesday. 

He was strong through two “innings,” during which he did not allow much hard contact and struck out Jazz Chisholm Jr., Anthony Volpe, Jasson Domínguez and Paul Goldchmidt. 

There could be reasons for Stroman to feel as if this spring training is especially important — reasons for the veteran to feel as if strong results might lead to his forcing his way into the Yankees rotation. 

But no, Stroman said, his Grapefruit League numbers or live BP performances this spring do not matter more than usual.