PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. (AP) -James Shields is slated to start on opening day for the AL champion Tampa Bay Rays.
Shields was a 14-game winner last season, when he also was the opening-day starter.
But unlike a year ago, when All-Star left-hander Scott Kazmir was injured during spring training and began the season on the disabled list, manager Joe Maddon said Wednesday that Shields earned the nod this time because of his performance.
The Rays are scheduled to open at Boston on April 6, with Kazmir, Matt Garza and Andy Sonnanstine following Shields in the rotation. The fifth spot is still up for grabs.
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