Opening Day is the start of the season in the Major League Baseball, and the starting pitcher for each team is usually the top pitcher from the year before. The Minnesota Twins’ recent history consists of forgettable starting pitchers such as Vance Worley, Carl Pavano, and Ricky Nolasco.
Over the past fifteen years, only three pitchers have opened the season for the Twins multiple times: Pavano, Ervin Santana, and Johan Santana. All three only pitched in two openers, but Jose Berrios will join that group when the team begins the season later in March.
Rocco Baldelli announced the decision before Jose Berrios’ spring training start on Wednesday:
It doesn’t come as surprise that Berrios will get the nod to open the season for the team, as he led the team in innings, strikeouts, and came in second in wins.