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Orioles name Kevin Gausman Opening Day starter

By Dave Stevenson

Mar 13, 2017; Sarasota, FL, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Kevin Gausman (39) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Ed Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 13, 2017; Sarasota, FL, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Kevin Gausman (39) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Ed Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kevin Gausman will be starting on Opening Day for the Baltimore Orioles. 

Going into 2017, the Baltimore Orioles are relying heavily on their rotation improving from last season. Kevin Gausman is a guy primed to do some big things, especially if he can carry over his success from late last season. Down the stretch, very few pitchers were better and more efficient than him. Gausman is getting a reward for his hard work, as he’ll be starting Opening Day for the Orioles.

"“Really it was kind of trying to piece it together. Thought I might have a chance obviously with [Chris Tillman] out,” Gausman said, via ESPN. “That’s one thing. If Chris is healthy right now it’s his game to start. But happy, excited. A lot of things to be thankful for in my life right now. Obviously, an exciting time for my family and obviously looking forward to it.”"

Gausman is getting a well deserved chance to lead the Orioles rotation and show what he can do. A first round pick of the O’s back in 2012, he has yet to put together a full season of success. But last season, Gausman wound up being one of their best starting pitchers. He had a 3.61 ERA in 179 innings over 30 starts in 2016. Gausman’s second half ERA was 3.10, featuring a 2.45 ERA in August.

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The Orioles will be relying on him and fellow young arm Dylan Bundy to lead the rotation while Tillman recovers. He’s expected to be out until at least mid-April and could miss all of the first month. Bundy will be the Orioles’ number two starter while Tillman is out. Baltimore is coming off a postseason appearance in 2016, though they lost to the Toronto Blue Jays in the Wild Card play-in game. Hopefully, 2017 will have a much happier ending for them.

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