Marcus Stroman says he turned down Aaron Boone’s offer to be the Yankees’ Opening Day starter in the wake of Gerrit Cole’s elbow injury, and Keith says it is the first demerit on the righty’s early pinstriped resume.
“That’s what it is. I think it’s two-fold. With Marcus Stroman being a Long Island guy and talks so much about being a Yankee…might be the plan, he was hurt last year and wants to stick to his plan, but I think he also wants to be the Opening Day starter in the Bronx,” Keith said. “‘I’m the No. 3. I’m gonna get to start the first game at Yankee Stadium.’ Now you’re not the No. 3. Cole is hurt. We need you to step up. Now it’s ‘Oh no, my schedule, I can’t.’ It’s the first little chink in the armor. It’s the first little thing you see. Hopefully this guy is all about the team and all about being a Yankee. There are no names on the back of the jersey.”
Keith appreciates the desire to pitch the first game at Yankee Stadium, but it isn’t a good look to turn down your manager when the team needs you to step up and fill the shoes of Cole.
“I understand it, but it just doesn’t line up with your energy of being a Yankee boy and living your dream,” Keith said. “If the Yankees ask you to take the ball, you take the ball.”
