Heres real story behind Yankees Marcus Stroman not starting on Opening Day [Video]

But because Stroman has the most seniority of any healthy Yankees starting pitcher in age and experience, Boone went to him and said he was willing to give him the season-opening start.

This was all about Boone showing respect for Stroman, an offseason free agent signing for $37 million over two seasons.

Stroman responded by saying he was fine being slotted anywhere in the rotation, and he came off very sincere.

“I actually think Stro handled it great,” Boone said.

So does Brian Cashman, Blake and the many Yankees players who’d heard Stroman happily would start any of the first five games as opposed to being a prima donna.

In the end, the Yankees set it up the way they preferred all along:

Cortes will start the opener, followed by Carlos Rodon in game two and then Stroman, who also is lined up start the home opener six days later, Blue Jays at Yankees on April 6.

No matter, …