The Boston Red Sox have named their Opening Day starter for the 2017 campaign, and the Sox are going with reigning AL Cy Young winner Rick Porcello instead of offseason acquisition Chris Sale.
This is the right choice, especially with David Price starting the season on the disabled list. You have to show respect for the guy that was with you a season ago, and you also avoid the massive pressure on Day 1 that would have come with a Sale start.
The Red Sox have named their Opening Day starter — and it's not Chris Sale. https://t.co/pDotimuymP pic.twitter.com/9j1BgsLZem
— NESN (@NESN) March 15, 2017
Porcello led the league in wins last year with 22 and started Game 1 of the American League Division Series against the Indians. I had been advocating for Price on Opening Day, but with his injury, this decision seems pretty cut and dry.
The Red Sox open up the season on April 3rd against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Fenway Park. First pitch is slated for 2:05.
