Sonny Gray named Oakland Athletics opening day starter
MESA, Ariz. (AP) -- Sonny Gray has been picked to start the Oakland Athletics' opener for the second straight season.
Manager Bob Melvin made the announcement Monday, saying Gray will face Texas on April 6.
Gray pitched six shutout innings against Cleveland in last year's opener, just the second pitcher in Oakland history to not allow a run on opening day.
The 25-year-old went 14-10 last season and led the A's in strikeouts (183) and innings (200).
Melvin said Scott Kazmir will follow Gray in the rotation.