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Shields Named Rays' Opening Day Starter

The Associated Press

Shields will lead off the rotation that will include Scott Kazmir, Matt Garza and Andy Sonnanstine.

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By MARC LANCASTER | The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 4, 2009

PORT CHARLOTTE - James Shields will be on the mound April 6 in Boston when the Rays begin their defense of the American League championship, Manager Joe Maddon announced today.

Shields will be followed by Scott Kazmir, Matt Garza and Andy Sonnanstine in the regular-season rotation.

"We're at the point now where we have three guys we feel like could open up for us at any given time," said Maddon, "but obviously choosing one, based on the body of work that Shields has, we chose to go with him first."

Aside from the work Shields has done to earn the honor, Maddon said he likes the idea of the lefty Kazmir pitching between the right-handed Shields and Garza.

Shields also will lead off the rotation as the Rays' regular pitchers join the Grapefruit League fray this weekend. Here's how the pitching will break down through the first round of starts:

Saturday vs. Red Sox: Shields (backed up by Jason Hammel)
Sunday at Red Sox: Wade Davis
Monday vs. Twins: Kazmir (backed up by Jeff Niemann)
Tuesday vs. Blue Jays: Garza (backed up by Sonnanstine and David Price)

The plan is for the frontline guys to throw two innings each their first time out, so you're likely to see Hammel and Niemann go four or five innings behind them Saturday and Monday. Price is down for one or two innings Tuesday as the Rays continue to handle him carefully, wary of wearing out his arm too early. But Maddon said he'll still have the opportunity to win the final rotation spot.

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