Ed Condron

Washington Nationals ace pitcher Stephen Strasburg is the team's Opening Day starter against the Chicago Cubs on April 5 at Wrigley Field, Nats manager Davey Johnson disclosed.

Strasburg, the first-overall pick in the 2009 MLB entry draft, will not only be making his debut as an opening day starter but also a maiden appearance at the legendary Wrigley Field.

"I think anybody wants to have the opportunity to pitch Opening Day," Strasburg told ESPN Wednesday. "To be able to say I have that under my belt is awesome. It's a great feeling and I'm looking forward to it."

Strasburg was winless with a 5.52 ERA in three Spring Training games, but recently came through with a solid performance in a 2-0 loss to the Yankees. The right-handed hurler surrendered one run and two hits in five innings, while throwing 54 of his 85 pitches for strikes.

Strasburg went 1-1 with a 1.50 ERA in five starts last season after having a sizzling start in his career in 2010 season, where he retired 92 batters in 68 innings. However, the Nats hurler had Tommy John surgery in September of 2010 after hurting his right elbow.

Johnson, who will manage the Nationals for the second season, said he made sure his best pitching personnel is on the field to kick start the 2012 season.

"I like to put my best foot forward from the get-go," Johnson told ESPN Wednesday. "This isn't about Stephen Strasburg. It's about the Washington Nationals."

Lefthander Gio Gonzalez is expected to become the no.2 starter for the Nats, with Jordan Zimmermann, Edwin Jackson, and Chien-Ming Wang rounding up the starting rotation.

 

 

 

Stephen Strasburg to Start on Opening Day for Nationals