Mar 29, 2009 7:33 PM EST

Derek Lowe says that he is "honored" to have been named the Opening Day starter by Braves manager Bobby Cox.

"It really is a great honor to be able to pitch that game," Lowe said Sunday.

Lowe, who signed a four-year, $60 million free-agent contract in January, will start the April 5 opener at Philadelphia.

Via Atlanta Journal-Constitution