Duke

BRADENTON, Fla. — The Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday named left-hander Zach Duke their starter for the season opener.

Manager Jim Tracy informed Duke he will pitch April 2 against the Astros in Houston. Duke grew up three hours away from Houston in Clifton, Texas.

"It's always special to pitch in Houston, but it's a great honor to know I'm going to pitch in the opener there," Duke said. "I don't get too excited about things, but it's hard not to be excited about this news.

"I'm glad I found out now because I'm going to need a few weeks to find enough tickets for everyone who will want to be there," Duke said.

Tracy said his decision came down to Duke or right-hander Ian Snell, who is scheduled to pitch the home opener against the defending World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals on April 9.

"It wasn't an easy decision because both pitched so well in the second half of last season and have carried that over into spring training," Tracy said. "Both were deserving of the honor and I'm glad that I was able to set Ian up to pitch the home opener, because opening day in Pittsburgh is also a very special occasion."

Tracy has not set the remainder of the five-man rotation, though left-handers Paul Maholm and Tom Gorzelanny are expected to be part of it. There is one spot open and right-handers Tony Armas and Shawn Chacon are the leading candidates; left-hander Shane Youman and right-handers Masumi Kuwata and Marty McLeary are also under consideration.

Tracy said he wanted to start a left-hander in the opener to keep his lefties and right-handers separated.

"Ultimately, you have to do what is best for the team, and it makes the most sense for us to start a lefty in the opener," Tracy said.