Aroldis trying to become U.S. citizen

TAMPA — Aroldis Chapman is on the path to becoming a United States citizen.

“I am in the process right now,’’ Chapman told The Post on Friday morning, when asked if he had become a citizen.

That process began last year for the new Yankees closer, who will start the season following the completion of a 30game suspension handed to him by MLB commissioner Rob Manfred this week for violating MLB’s and the Players Association’s joint domestic violence policy last October. Firing eight shots in his Davie, Fla., garage played into the suspension, which Chapman didn’t appeal.

Fellow Cuban native and former Yankees pitcher Orlando “El Duque’’ Hernandez became a U.S. citizen in 2005.

“Eventually, when I become a citizen, if it happens, it’s going to be something great,’’ Chapman said before participating in a workout at George M. Steinbrenner Field while the Yankees traveled to Lakeland, Fla., to play the Tigers. “It’s a nice opportunity for me to become a U.S. citizen.’’

While Chapman waits to complete the process, he doesn’t yet have a date when it will happen. “Eventually I will get a call,’’ he said.

— George A. King III

LAKELAND, Fla. — Masahiro Tanaka threw 33 pitches in a bullpen session Friday and the Yankees’ ace impressed pitching coach Larry Rothschild.

“I thought it was very good, the quality of pitches and arm speed,’’ Rothschild said. “I think he is progressing the way we would like to see.’’

Tanaka will make his first start of the exhibition schedule Sunday against the Phillies in Clearwater, Fla.

So far Tanaka hasn’t displayed any evidence the surgery on the right elbow to remove a bone spur last October has affected him.

As part of taking it slow with their ace it’s possible Tanaka will work on an extra day of rest during spring training. ➤ Manager Joe Girardi said he is impressed enough with Starlin Castro’s bat he might use the righthanded hitter to hit second behind

Jacoby Ellsbury against lefty starters.

“It’s definitely something I would consider,’’ Girardi said of hitting Castro No. 2.

Castro, 26 later this month, is a career .265 hitter against lefties and batted .281 versus them last season.

As for getting Castro comfortable at third base, where there is no backup to Chase Headley, Girardi said Rob

Refsnyder is closer to working there than Castro.

Ellsbury will play for the first time in the exhibition season Saturday against the Red Sox at George M. Steinbrenner Field.

Asked by Girardi at the start of camp what he felt was best, Ellsbury said he wanted more time than others to get ready.

“It’s nothing crazy, just a few more reps in BP, running and throwing, I feel ready to go,’’ Ellsbury said.