The Tampa Bay Rays have made their decision official, as manager Kevin Cash announced Tuesday that right-hander Zach Eflin will be the team’s starting pitcher for Opening Day on March 28 against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Eflin gets the nod after compiling a 16-8 record with a 3.50 earned run average in 31 starts for Tampa Bay in his first year with the team. He signed a three-year, $40 million deal with the club prior to the 2023 season.
Aaron Civale, Zack Littell, and Ryan Pepiot are also expected to be a part of the rotation, though their order has yet to de betermined. Jacob Waguespack, and non-roster invitees Naoyuki Uwasawa and Jake Odorizzi could also be a part of the rotation.
The Rays open the regular season with a seven-game homestand, featuring a four-game series with the Blue Jays and a three-game set with the defending World Series champion Texas Rangers.