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Zack Greinke named Astros' Opening Day starter with Justin Verlander sidelined

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 3/15/21

Houston Astros right-hander Zack Greinke will start Opening Day against the Oakland Athletics, manager Dusty Baker announced, according to MLB.com's Brian McTaggart.

Astros manager Dusty Baker said Zack Greinke will be the Opening Day starter, April 1 at Oakland.
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) March 15, 2021

This will be the first time Greinke starts Opening Day for the Astros. Justin Verlander has started the last three seasons, but he is out for the year after undergoing Tommy John surgery.

Greinke has started on Opening Day four times in his career, with his last coming in 2019 as a member of the Arizona Diamondbacks. The 37-year-old has never won an Opening Day start.

The former Cy Young winner went 3-3 during the pandemic-shortened campaign with a 4.03 ERA and 67 strikeouts in 67 innings.

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