Any guesses? Well, it’s Marcus Stroman we’re talking about. He has been under the microscope since day one in the Bronx. The right-hander signed a two-year, $37 million contract with the Yankees, and let’s be honest, Yankees fans haven’t exactly been throwing him a parade. GM Brian Cashman even said Stroman was irrelevant before he ever put on a pinstriped uniform. The GM insinuated that Stroman “wasn’t a difference-maker.” Those comments set a fire inside the pitcher, and he expressed that backing on his socials.
But after shutting down the Braves for six innings without issuing a single walk, let’s just say he had some words for the doubters.
Stroman simply didn’t flinch when the microphones were thrust into his face. His reply was harsh, verging on offensive, but honestly? “I’m so detached from what everyone’s thinking, to be honest with you. I don’t see it. I don’t hear it. It’s very non-existent to me,” he said, via Gary Phillips’ X handle. “I always have a chip on my shoulder. That’s how I was born. That’s how I was raised; my dad raised me like that. But as far as caring what people are thinking or saying, I’m far from that these days.” Such a response drips with the kind of energy you’d expect from someone who’s had to drag his feet through the noise.
Marcus Stroman on the recent noise and doubt surrounding him:
“I’m so detached from what everyone’s thinking, to be honest with you. I don’t see it. I don’t hear it. It’s very non-existent to me, to be honest with you. I’m in my world when it comes to preparing, so I’m not… https://t.co/DsLEmvbC0Y
— Gary Phillips (@GaryHPhillips) July 20, 2025
Stroman’s struggles stemmed from chronic left knee inflammation that plagued him since April, forcing him onto the injured list after surrendering five runs in two-thirds of an inning against San Francisco. His 2024 debut season with the Yankees produced a mediocre 4.31 ERA over 154.2 innings, far from his career standards. After starting strong with 12 scoreless innings, he collapsed with a 5.28 ERA over his next six starts, allowing seven homers. Friday’s dominant six-inning shutout against Atlanta marked a complete reversal—zero walks, zero earned runs, and vintage command. With Stroman finally delivering when it mattered most, his manager had plenty to say about the breakthrough performance.
Yankees Manager Boone Stands By His Starter
Boone celebrated Stroman’s six-inning masterpiece against Atlanta, praising the right-hander’s command and unpredictability. “He continued to do a really good job of mixing and matching and staying unpredictable, using all his pitches, using both sides of the plate,” Boone declared to reporters. He emphasized how Stroman attacked the strike zone aggressively while avoiding walks completely. The manager highlighted the pitcher’s ability to keep Atlanta’s dangerous lineup off balance throughout his dominant outing.
Boone defended Stroman throughout the season’s darkest moments, including a brutal rehab assignment that saw him surrender five earned runs in just 3⅔ innings. He acknowledged the setback publicly, telling The New York Post the team would “dig into it some more and see what the best next move is.” Boone watched his starter struggle with consistency and command, yet maintained faith in the veteran’s abilities.
Image: MLB.com
Boone expressed growing frustration earlier in the campaign, admitting the Yankees would “continue moving forward with the arms they have” regarding Stroman’s recovery. He witnessed firsthand the pitcher’s inability to overcome physical limitations that prevented him from reaching his ceiling. Boone absorbed criticism from fans and media for his continued support of the underperforming starter.
Boone savored Friday’s vindication of his unwavering belief in Stroman’s talent. He recognized this performance as validation of his patience with the $37 million investment. Boone’s post-game relief was evident as he praised how his starter finally delivered when the team needed it most.
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