Tigers manager A.J. Hinch announced that left-hander Matthew Boyd will be the Opening Day starter against the Indians on April 1 at Comerica Park.
It marks the second consecutive season that Boyd has been given the assignment. Boyd was given the news a week ago right before his last start. Hinch told Boyd that he was being lined up for the first game of the season.
Last year, Boyd had a season to forget, going 3-7 with a 6.71 ERA. This season, he hopes to re-establish his presence on the mound and help the Tigers take their next step toward contention. Remember, this is a guy who struck out 238 (tied for 10th in MLB) batters in 2019.
“It’s an honor. It’s not something I take lightly,” Boyd said. “I think it’s really exciting that when we get back, it will be our first game back with fans at Comerica. As you know, it’s so special on Opening Day at Comerica Park. It’s a state holiday. With the fans back in the seats, it’s something very exciting, something we are looking forward to.”
Boyd has had a great spring, allowing three runs in 13 innings and striking out 13 batters. But, stats are not the only reason Hinch made his decision to name Boyd the starter.
“He is a great presence on our team, but he is also a continuous learner,” Hinch said. “I think coming off the season he did last year, he is pitching with something to prove as well. He is always trying to get better. He takes it personal about our pitching staff. He is a leader. He is a person guys turn to.
“… You watch who gravitates to who. One of the first pitchers to come out and watch another starting pitcher was Matt Boyd. Early in spring, he snuck into the dugout and watched his fellow pitchers pitch. That to me is a symbol of a guy that gets it. He understands he has a big presence on our team.”