Miami Marlins name Opening Day starting pitcher

There were a lot of trade rumors this off-season involving the Miami Marlins starting pitchers. Luckily, no one got traded, as they seem to have been underrated and I doubt that the return would've been worth it. In a bit of sad news, there has to be a new Opening Day starter as ace Sandy Alcantara is of course out for the season. Who will start instead of him?

The Miami Marlins will be giving Jesus Luzardo his first Opening Day start.

Jesus Luzardo has been named the Miami Marlins Opening Day starting pitcher. It's quite an achievement for the former top prospect. It wasn't that long ago that the Oakland Athletics prematurely moved on from him, when he had a 6.87 ERA/6.09 FIP, with 9.5 K/9 and 3.8 BB/9, in 13 games and 38.0 innings pitched back in 2021.

The last two seasons, Jesus Luzardo had a 3.52 ERA/3.40 FIP, with 10.6 K/9 and 2.9 BB/9, in 50 games and 279.0 innings pitched. He's become a true front of the rotation arm and will get the recognition for it this upcoming season. He feels nostalgic over the situation:

"I remember my dad taking me out of school a couple times, specifically to come here [to Jupiter] for Spring Training, and then for Opening Day. It's kind of nostalgic for me to think about, and I know my dad and my mom as well, they're super excited, and it brings back memories for them. But just being able to put on that Marlins uniform on Opening Day, and being able to pitch, it's going to be an awesome experience.”

Manager Skip Schumaker praised Jesus Luzardo for stepping up last season, while Sandy Alcantara was injured. Luzardo stepped up and proved himself to The Fish and to Schumaker. Pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre Jr. said that Luzardo earned this role, and that he went through a lot of hard times to get where he is now.

I'm glad that Jesus Luzardo hasn't been traded this off-season. I don't know if the Miami Marlins would've received a fair return, and Luzardo is too good to give up.