Detroit Tigers pitcher Michael Fulmer will be the team's starting pitcher for the home opener against the Boston Red Sox on Friday, April 7.
The team and manager Brad Ausmus made the announcement on Saturday afternoon.
Your #OpeningDayDET starter against the Red Sox: @MFulmer12 pic.twitter.com/NRpIIw14Ap
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) March 25, 2017
Fulmer, 24, was the American League Rookie of the Year in 2016, going 11-7 with a 3.06 ERA in 26 games last season.
Justin Verlander is expected to start the team's first game on Monday, April 3 against the Chicago White Sox. That means Fulmer is slated to be fourth in the Tigers' rotation.
"I's not necessarily a reward. He's towards the back because we started him slower and he had an excellent year last year," Ausmus said, according to the Detroit Free Press. "Opening Day in Comerica Park, going back to Tiger Stadium, is like the Super Bowl. I've always said it should be a state holiday."
In Spring Training this year, Fulmer has started four games and has a 5.19 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP.
