The Yankees hit the road for a 3 game set against the Tigers as they celebrate their Opening Day. Luis Severino will make his season debut against Jordan Zimmermann, who his making his Tigers debut. This will be the 12th career start for the 22 year old Severino. Of his 11 outings last year, 8 of them were of the quality variety as he pitched to a 5-3 record and 2.89 ERA. He is facing Detroit for the first time.
Zimmermann signed with the Tigers this offseason after 7 years with the Nationals. He will be the first Detroit pitcher since 2002 to make his debut in the home opener. He went 13-10 with a 3.66 ERA in a career high 33 starts last season in DC.
Michigan didn’t get the memo that baseball is played in the Spring. Gametime temperatures will be hovering around 30 degrees, pretty similar to what the Yanks experienced on their Opening Day. The Tigers are coming back from 2 games in Miami, so this weather will be a shock to the system.
“It’ll get rid of my allergies,” Ian Kinsler said. “Stay hydrated, stay warm, do whatever you can to keep yourself healthy.”
Zimmermann, who grew up in Wisconsin, is no stranger to the elements.
“My Draft video, I think I was throwing in a blizzard,” Zimmermann said. “I’ve pitched in snow. I’ve pitched in cold. I’ve pitched in 100 degree heat. I’ve pretty much seen it all.”
Tidbits:
Victor Martinez became the first player since at least 1914 to hit pinch-hit home runs in his team’s first two games.
Tigers great Kirk Gibson is scheduled to throw out the ceremonial first pitch.
Starlin Castro is 2 hits away from 1,000 in his career.
1:10pm on Yes.
