Veteran starter Lance Lynn has been named the Texas Rangers’ Opening Day starter for the 2020 season by manager Chris Woodward, marking his first-ever nod for the first game of the season.
Lynn was a standout in 2019 for the Rangers, posting arguably the best season of his nearly decade-long career. In his first season with Texas, Lynn posted a 3.67 ERA and a 16-11 record, striking out 246 batters in 208.1 innings.
Woodward gave the nod to Lynn over 2019 Opening Day starter Mike Minor and offseason addition and former Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber.
The manager had to choose between Minor and Lynn for the spot. “I know Corey is a tremendous pitcher and a two-time Cy Young winner, but what Lance and Mike have done for our ball club, especially last year, they deserve that start,” Woodward explained. “I went back and forth with Lance and Mike. I know I gave it to Mike last year and I talked to Mike about this. He did nothing to not deserve this start this year.”
Texas will open its season either on July 23rd or July 24th against an to-be-named opponent in a location that is to be determined.
