When the Colorado Rockies open the 2019 season against the Miami Marlins on March 28, Kyle Freeland will be the team’s starting pitcher. Rockies manager Bud Black announced the news on Sunday.
Freeland, 25, was the backbone of Colorado’s starting rotation in 2018. With a 17-7 record and 2.85 ERA over 33 starts, the Denver native was legitimately in the CY Young conversation. More importantly – Freeland’s individual success, along with a strong season from German Marquez – propelled the Rockies to the postseason.
With Freeland getting the Opening Day start, German Marquez, Jon Gray and Tyler Anderson will presumably start the next three games against the Marlins and Chad Bettis is in line to pitch Game 1 in Tampa Bay on April 1. As it currently stands, Tyler Anderson would be the projected starter for the home opener against Los Angeles on Apr. 5.
Before the Rockies can kick off the 2019 season with a seven-game road trip, Colorado will conclude spring training. The final exhibition is against the Twins on Tuesday.