It’s official: Shields to start Opening Day

Posted Mar 12, 2010 by Roger Mooney

Updated Mar 12, 2010 at 12:50 PM

By ROGER MOONEY

PORT CHARLOTTE Joe Maddon just made official what everyone expected: James Shields will start against the Orioles when the Rays open the season April 6 against the visiting Orioles.

“It means a lot,” Shields said. “It shows how hard I’ve been working over the last couple of years. It’s what every starter strives for, to be that front-line guy, whether you’re one or two. Being No. 1 is very special. To be a front-line guy in the big leagues, especially in the American League East is pretty good.”

Two reasons for Shields getting the nod for the season-opener: He is the top pitcher on the staff and the hardest worker.

“More than anything I think he sets the example based on his preparation and his work,” Maddon said. “He really has a great work ethic. In between starts, his program, his routine is superb. It’s something that we always want the other pitchers to over the last couple of years.”

This will be a team-record third straight Opening Day start for Shields. He had been tied with Wilson Alvarez and Scott Kazmir.

Maddon said Matt Garza will start the next night against the O’s. Again, no surprise there.

Maddon said he has not decided on the who will pitch the next three nights.

“We still want to reserve the right to look at matchups,” Maddon said.