St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Dakota Hudson will open the season as the fifth starter in the rotation.
Cardinals manager Mike Schildt said John Gant, who was Hudson's main competitor for the last spot, will play a "hybrid role" out of the bullpen. Hudson, a 24-year-old right-hander, pitched exclusively in relief for St. Louis as a rookie.
Hudson recorded a 2.63 ERA with 19 strikeouts and 18 walks over 27 1/3 innings in 26 appearances in 2018.
Source: Mark Saxon