GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — Justin Masterson will start on opening day for the Cleveland Indians.
Manager Manny Acta announced Friday that Masterson will start the April 5 opener against Toronto. The right-hander was Cleveland’s most consistent starter last season, going 12-10 with a 3.21 ERA in 33 starts. Masterson set a career-high in wins and led the Indians in ERA, strikeouts, starts and innings. He won his first five starts of the season.
Masterson said he’s honored to be chosen “to set the tone for the season.”
Acta gave Masterson the opening-day nod over Ubaldo Jimenez, the presumed staff ace who was acquired from Colorado last season at the trading deadline.
In last season’s opener, the pitcher formerly known as Fausto Carmona (Roberto Hernandez) allowed 10 runs in three innings.
