MESA, Ariz. (AP) — As expected, NL Cy Young Award winner Jake Arrieta will start the Chicago Cubs' season opener.
Manager Joe Maddon joked that he had "another surprise" in making the announcement on Tuesday. The Cubs, coming off a 97-win season and appearance in the NL Championship Series, open at the Los Angeles Angels on April 4.
Arrieta led the majors in wins while going 22-6 and posting a 1.77 ERA last year. His ERA after the All-Star break was 0.75.
The right-hander went 11-0 over his final 12 starts, and he finished with 236 strikeouts. Arrieta also tossed a no-hitter and beat out Zack Greinke and Clayton Kershaw for the Cy Young.
Arrieta started the 2012 opener for Baltimore. Jon Lester started the Cubs' opener last year.