Rangers officially tab Gallardo as the opening day starter
SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) Yovani Gallardo has been tabbed to start the Texas Rangers' season opener.
New manager Jeff Banister on Thursday officially named Gallardo the starter for the April 6 opener at Oakland. The move had been expected with Yu Darvish out for the season after ligament-replacement elbow surgery, and left-hander Derek Holland likely starting the April 10 home opener.
Gallardo has started the last five season openers for the Milwaukee Brewers, who traded the right-hander to Texas in January.
Banister also said left Ross Detwiler, acquired in an offseason trade with Washington after being a reliever last season, has earned a spot in the rotation with Gallardo, Colby Lewis and Holland. The fifth starter hasn't been determined.
Gallardo will be Texas' seventh different opening day starter in seven years.