Boston Red Sox Name Reigning Cy Young Winner Rick Porcello the Opening Day Starter
‘Pretty Ricky’ Rick Porcello has been named the Opening Day starter for your 2017 Boston Red Sox. Chris Sale will toe the rubber in the #2 spot.
The Boston Red Sox have named Rick Porcello their 2017 Opening Day starter. Some, including myself, were surprised but not shocked by the announcement.
No other team would have a debate as to who the Opening Day starter is if they had the reigning AL Cy Young winner on their squad. The Boston Red Sox are not any other team.
More from Boston Red Sox
- 3 Midseason Chaim Bloom Decisions That Have Killed the 2023 Red Sox
- MLB Screws Red Sox Fans With Broadcast for Mookie Betts Return
- Red Sox Continue Rollercoaster Season With Massive Win
- Mookie Betts Has Humble Outlook on Returning to Fenway
- Alex Cora Reveals What He Said to Cause NSFW Response from Justin Verlander
Many view Chris Sale and David Price as the two aces on the Red Sox. Price will likely begin the season on the disabled list, so many thought Sale would get the Opening Day start.
Red Sox manager John Farrell announced Porcello will get the ball, and he’s earned it.
According to Farrell, the decision was made at the start of spring training.
"“We had three candidates that were certainly worthy and capable. But I think there’s a lot to be said for the year Rick has had previous, the leader that he’s become on our team and the dependable pitcher that he is.”"
Sale and Price have previously endorsed Porcello as the Opening Day starter, but Farrell said that didn’t factor into the decision.
"“If I had to pick — and my opinion means absolutely nothing — out of respect, you’ve got to go with Porcello,” Sale said in January. “He was the best pitcher in the league last year. How do you deny that?”"
Related Story: Price Likely Starting 2017 on the DL
Price made it known he thinks Rick deserves the start as well.
"“If I have a vote, I’m voting for Rick. He earned it. Every team I’ve ever been on, that’s the way it kind of works.”"
This will be the first Opening Day start of Porcello’s career.
In 2016 Porcello won the Cy Young with a 22-4 record and 3.15 ERA.
Chris Sale will pitch in game two, two days later, but the rest of the rotation has not been decided on. Eduardo Rodriguez, Steven Wright, and Drew Pomeranz will round it out, but the order is not determined.
Next: The 50 Greatest Red Sox of All-Time
The Red Sox will open the 2017 season at home in an interleague matchup against the Pittsburgh Pirates from the National League.