Tigers' Justin Verlander: Will start Opening Day

Manager Brad Ausmus confirmed over the weekend that Verlander will start Opening Day against the White Sox, the Detroit Free Press reports.

Analysis:

Verlander's appointment does not come as a surprise, as he will start Opening Day for the ninth time in his career -- the second-most times in team history, behind only Jack Morris. Verlander had one of the best seasons of his career in 2016, finishing 16-9 with a 3.04 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 254:57 K:BB over 227.2 innings.