Minnesota Twins manager Rocco Baldelli announced on Sunday that Kenta Maeda will make the team’s opening day start when they face the Milwaukee Brewers on Apr. 1.
Maeda was acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers last March and rewarded the Twins by going 6-1 with a 2.70 ERA in 11 starts. Maeda also finished runner-up in American League Cy Young Award voting behind Cleveland’s Corey Kluber.
The 32-year-old also led the Twins in ERA, innings pitched, strikeouts and a 0.75 WHIP, which was the second-lowest mark in MLB history.
Maeda will top a rotation that will also include Jose Berrios, Michael Pineda, J.A. Happ and a fifth starter to be determined in spring training.
