For Seventh Straight Year, Justin Verlander Will Start Tigers' Season Opener

Justin Verlander will be the club's opening day starter, a decision that surprises some baseball observers.

For the past several years, there wasn't really a question, but this time around Max Scherzer is the reigning American League Cy Young winner and Verlander is coming off core muscle surgery.

Sports researcher James Smyth says Scherzer will be the first reigning Cy Young to not start on Opening Day since 2005. 

The Tigers’ Opening Day is Monday, March 31, against Kansas City at Comerica Park.