The Boston Red Sox will send ace David Price to the mound on Opening Day against the Cleveland Indians, manager John Farrell announced Tuesday.
Boston signed Price to a lucrative seven-year, $217-million deal this past December, so it's no surprise he's been tabbed for the April 4 opener at Progressive Field.
Price will become just the third pitcher to make three consecutive Opening Day starts for a different club each year.
PITCHER | YEAR 1 TEAM | YEAR 2 TEAM | YEAR 3 TEAM |
---|---|---|---|
David Price | 2014 Rays | 2015 Tigers | 2016 Red Sox |
Kevin Brown | 1997 Marlins | 1998 Padres | 1999 Dodgers |
Jack Morris | 1990 Tigers | 1991 Twins | 1992 Blue Jays |
(Source: Elias Sports Bureau)
The 30-year-old, who'll be making his fifth career Opening Day start, rose to the occasion in the opener last year for the Tigers, tossing 8 2/3 innings of shutout ball while yielding five hits to the Minnesota Twins.
Price finished as the runner-up in American League Cy Young voting last year, compiling an 18-5 record with a 2.45 ERA in 32 starts for the Tigers and Toronto Blue Jays.