MESA, Ariz. (AP) — Ryan Dempster has been selected by Chicago Cubs manager Mike Quade to start the season opener against Pittsburgh on April 1.
Dempster was picked over right-hander Carlos Zambrano, who has started the last six openers for the Cubs. Zambrano will start the second game of the season followed by Matt Garza in Game 3. The Cubs obtained Garza during the offseason from Tampa Bay.
Quade said he called all three pitchers into his office Monday, and that all were in accord with the decision. Earlier in spring training, Quade said he would wait as long as possible to pick his opening day starter.
