PPG For the second year in a row, left-hander Francisco Liriano will be the Pirates’ opening-day starter, manager Clint Hurdle announced Tuesday. Liriano will take the hill against the Cincinnati Reds April 6 at Great American Ball Park as the first Pirates pitcher to start on opening day in consecutive seasons since left-hander Oliver Perez (2005-06). “We just want to put to rest that we’ve had nine different opening-day pitchers in a row,” Hurdle said. “We wanted to settle down and kick that one to the curb.” Liriano signed a three-year, $39 million contract in December.

Between the glove at third base and the announcing of the opening day starter, it’s been a solid day for the Buccos. I like the move, it’s a sign of consistency and the first time in almost a decade that they’re able to send the same ace to the bump in back to back opening day starts. 

AJ Burnett’s return dropped some panties in the Allegheny Valley but he’s the wily ole veteran at this point and will fit into that role nicely.  The announcement of the rotation also suggest Gerrit Cole will get the call in the Pirates Home Opener April 13th vs the Tigers and maybe that mush arm Justin Verlander?