New York Yankees' Offseason Acquisition Expected to Start Home Opener
The home opener for every New York Yankees season is always something special as fans pour into the stadium and pack the house to see their team get things underway.
This year, things are going to be a little different as fans will have seen the team in action for two series before the Yankees play at home.
They open up on March 28, visiting the Houston Astros for a four-game stretch, followed by a three-game slate against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
After an off-day on April 4, New York will get ready for their first game at Yankee Stadium on April 5, welcoming in their division foe, the Toronto Blue Jays, for three games.
According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, it seems like the Yankees already know who will be the starting pitcher for that game.
"Marcus Stroman is currently lined up to pitch the Yankees home opener," he reported on social media.
This is quite the honor for Marcus Stroman after coming to New York this offseason on a two-year, $37 million deal. He's one of their high-profile winter additions this cycle and has some lofty expectations placed on his shoulders.
Gerrit Cole needs a reliable partner at the top of the rotation and Stroman could certainly become that guy.
He's coming off an All-Star selection last season after getting off to a hot start with the Chicago Cubs that had him firmly in NL Cy Young conversations before injuries derailed his year.
Still, he finished with an ERA of 3.95 across 27 appearances and 25 starts.
Of course, the plan on who will start the home opener could change based on a myriad of reasons.
The Yankees certainly could be affected by injuries that might change around the rotation. The off-day could also give someone like Cole time to rest and be on the mound for the opener, giving him that honor after winning the AL Cy Young Award last year.
But, as of now, it looks like Stroman will be facing his old team in the Blue Jays during his home debut for New York, giving fans a great look to see how their offseason acquisition might look in big games this year.
