Lakeland, Fla. — Jordan Zimmermann knew there was a chance he might be the Tigers’ Opening Day starter. At least, he was told there was a chance.
Still, given that Michael Fulmer started the home opener last season and given his own struggles the last two years, it seemed like a longshot.
“(Fulmer) probably deserved it more than me,” Zimmermann told reporters Sunday. “I’d have been fine pitching the fifth day, as long as I’m in the rotation. I was, I guess, a little shocked.
“But he’s got his days coming. He’s going to start plenty of Opening Days.