When the Cincinnati Reds named Scott Feldman Opening Day starter, it was somewhat out of necessity. Homer Bailey and Anthony DeSclafani were both ruled out for the start of the season and Brandon Finnegan was only entering his second year as a starter. That left Feldman and rookies as the legitimate choices to start the first game.
Feldman starting an Opening Day game isn’t that unusual. What is unusual is him doing this season. Last year, Feldman only started five games and just one after April 30.
Last season, Feldman pitched in 40 games, including 35 relief appearances.