|
 BRADENTON, Fla. (AP) - Oliver Perez will start the Pittsburgh Pirates' season opener on April 3 rather than 2005 rookie star Zach Duke.
The unexpected move — Perez has pitched only once for Pittsburgh this spring after spending most of the month with Mexico in the World Baseball Classic — means Duke will start April 5 in Milwaukee and the home opener April 10 against Los Angeles.
Perez is trying to bounce back from a disappointing season after the lefty was one of baseball's top young power pitchers in 2004.
|