Rays name Cobb as Opening Day starter

Spring training is barely underway, but Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash has already decided who he wants to have the ball on Opening Day.

Alex Cobb will take the hill for the season opener April 6 versus the Baltimore Orioles.

The right-hander went 10-9 with a 2.87 ERA in 27 starts last season, and will be followed by Chris Archer, Drew Smyly and Jake Odorizzi in the rotation. Cash will announce his fifth and final starter at a later date after evaluating several arms throughout the spring.

David Price, who was traded to the Detroit Tigers on July 31, made the previous two Opening Day starts for the Rays.