Justin Verlander named Astros' Opening Day starter

Houston Astros pitcher Justin Verlander has been named the Opening Day starter.

What It Means:

No surprises here, as the American League Cy-Young runner-up will square off against Cy-Young winner Blake Snell and the Tampa Bay Rays on March 28 at Tropicana Field. It will be Verlander's 11th Opening Day start in his 15-year career. Gerrit Cole has been named the Astros' starter for Game 2.

numberFire's models expect Verlander to twirl a 3.14 ERA and 1.03 WHIP with 256 strikeouts and 49 walks across 209 1/3 innings this season.