Marcus Stroman ends Yankees absence in ‘awkward’ trade situation

TAMPA — Marcus Stroman’s holdout is over.

After missing the first two days of workouts, following the mandatory physical he took on Tuesday, Stroman reported back to Yankees camp on Friday at Steinbrenner Field.

He was expected to participate in workouts later in the day for the first time this spring.

Stroman, whom the Yankees tried to trade this offseason with the veteran being the projected odd man out of the rotation, had until Feb. 22 to report to camp under CBA rules.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said on Thursday he had been trying to nudge Stroman to be at camp but also respected his right not to be here yet.

“Obviously I want all our players here, clearly,” Boone said Thursday. “That said, I’m comfortable with where he’s at physically, mentally. He’s a prideful player. He’s a guy that’s had a great career. It’s a little bit of an awkward situation, obviously. So of course I want him here.

“Trying to keep nudging him to get here. But you also have to respect the fact that this is something players are allowed to do. There’s a mandatory date and he’s choosing that right now.”