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Maybe it made sense for Torey Lovullo to wait before announcing his Opening Day starter. He got some flak for the situation last year, where Corbin Burnes was originally tagged for the honor but, due to his strict pre-season schedule, was unable to take the ball. That forced
a late switch to Zac Gallen instead. This year, Torey got well ahead of things. Barely had pitchers and catchers reported, when he said on Valentine’s Day that Merrill Kelly would be the first starter used by the team. But the calendar hasn’t even turned to March before Kelly had to be scratched, the result of intercostal nerve irritation in his back.
The hope is Merrill may not miss much time, but it does leave the team with a vacancy to be filled. Corbin Burnes won’t be back, but you could make a case for just about anyone else currently expected to be on the roster. While it is little more than a token gesture – rotations inevitably end getting muddied before many weeks have gone by – it remains an honor. So who do you think will be the recipient of the honor? Zac Gallen, last year’s Opening Day starter? Ryne Nelson, arguably the best pitcher on the team in 2025? Eduardo Rodriguez, the highest-paid member of the rotation? Brandon Pfaadt, the youngest? Or Michael Soroka, who…
Um, okay: maybe not quite make a case for everyone. But, hey, it’s an honor simply to be in the conversation. So who do you think it will be? Please show your working in the comments.
