Chad Kuhl named Opening Day Starter

The Pittsburgh Pirates have their guy for Opening Day.

Manager Derek Shelton named Chad Kuhl his Opening Day starter for Thursday’s tilt with the Chicago Cubs on the Pirates Spring Training broadcast.

Shelton also announced that Adam Frazier would be the team’s leadoff hitter to begin the season and that Kevin Newman had won the starting shortstop job.

It’s the first career Opening Day nod for Kuhl, who has been with the team since 2016. He’s also the sixth different pitcher to start Opening Day in as many seasons.

Kuhl had a strong Spring Training with a 2-1 record and a 3.38 ERA in four starts.

In 2020, Kuhl started nine games posting a 2-3 record and a 4.27 ERA.

The decision to start Kuhl doesn’t come as much of a surprise considering he is the most experienced pitcher in the Pirates young starters group.

Kuhl will face off against Cubs ace Kyle Hendricks on Opening Day.

BD crew, what do you think of the decision to start Kuhl on Opening Day? Chime off in the comments section below!