No, it’s not April 1st. Jordan Zimmermann will be the Opening Day starter at Comerica Park on March 29.
While most fans (and writers) believed Michael Fulmer, the team’s de facto ace following Justin Verlander’s trade, would be the natural choice to get the nod on Opening Day, apparently manager Ron Gardenhire did not agree.
Following Saturday’s game against the New York Yankees, Gardenhire addressed the media and let them know his decision for the Opening Day starter. “Zimmermann’s the veteran guy here,” Gardenhire explained. “To me, he’s the leader of this group and I think he should have the ball.