Cubs To Start Samardzija In Opener

The Chicago Cubs have named Jeff Samardzija their starter for Opening Day on March 31 against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

"Jeff has done it before," Rick Renteria said. "He's put in a very strong year, as [Travis] Wood did. The decision was quite easy for all of us."

Samardzija was the Opening Day starter last season.

"It's nice to have it done with and out of the way," Samardzija said. "Now you can really set your schedule which is nice."