In what can sarcastically be called a stunning development, the Chicago Cubs announced that Jake Arrieta will be the team’s Opening Day starter when they take the field in Los Angeles next month.
Arrieta, who won the 2015 N.L. Cy Young Award with a 22-6 record and a 1.77 ERA for the Cubs as he led them to a playoff berth, will make his second career start in a season opener.
The last time he took the mound on Opening Day came in 2012 when he was with the Baltimore Orioles. This time, the scene will be a bit different for the Cubs, as they'll be on the road to start their season.
The Cubs will take on the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on Opening Day, battling Mike Trout and company out on the west coast in the team’s first ever opener against an American League opponent.
The Cubs’ Opening Day lineup could also see a different starter at nearly every position. Anthony Rizzo could potentially be the only holdover, with Dexter Fowler (who started in center field) and Jorge Soler (right field) also possibly getting starts, but their status in those spots is up in the air.