Indians News: Francona Names Corey Kluber Opening Day Starter

Kluber To Set Indians’ Season in Motion April 6th in Houston

It’s Official: The Klubot will be the 57th Opening Day starter in the history of the Cleveland Indians.

Manager Terry Francona named his stoic ace and defending Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber his starter for the season opener, which will take place April 6^th in Houston as the Tribe visits the Astros.

The announcement was but a formality for the Tribe, as Kluber takes the place of Justin Masterson, who has started the previous three openers for the Tribe. Kluber emerged as the team ace and one of the elite pitchers in the American League a year ago, finishing 18-9 with a 2.44 ERA and 2.35 FIP over 235.2 innings.

The Indians will need Kluber to be dominant again this season if they are to live up to the hype swirling around them this Spring, with many analysts tabbing the Tribe to win the AL Central.

Astros’ manager A.J. Hinch has yet to name his starter, but all signs point to young lefty Dallas Keuchel receiving the nod after a breakout year of his own in 2014. It will be the first time in franchise history the Indians open the year in Houston.