Verlander To Start Seventh Opener For Tigers

The Detroit Tigers will start Justin Verlander on Opening Day for the seventh consecutive season.

Brad Ausmus made the decision, admitting it was tough to pass over reigning American League Cy Young winner Max Scherzer.

Verlander will take the mound March 31 when the Tigers host the Kansas City Royals.

"It's a decision that 29 other managers would like to have: choosing between two former Cy Young Award winners," Ausmus said. "It's a very difficult decision because Max was the best pitcher in the league last year, and there's a very legitimate argument that he should get that opportunity to pitch Opening Day. But we're in a unique situation because we have Justin Verlander, who has also won a Cy Young and an MVP. And he started the last six opening days. Ultimately, all that factored into the decision."