As speculated last week by Troy Renck of the Denver Post and then confirmed Wednesday, left-hander Jorge De La Rosa will start for the Rockies on Opening Day, March 31, against the Marlins. It’s the beginning of a four-game series at Marlins Park.
Jhoulys Chacin would have been given the honor, but he suffered a right shoulder strain near the end of February and is expected to begin the 2014 regular season with a stint on the 15-day disabled list.
This will be the first Opening Day start for De La Rosa, who posted a career-best 3.49 ERA (127 ERA+) in 167 2/3 innings last season for Colorado.
He is currently scheduled to become a free agent five days after the 2014 World Series.
