D-Train Named Opening Day Starter

For the second straight season, the D-Train will be the Marlins Opening Day starter. In a no-surprise move, Dontrelle Willis has officially been tabbed to make the April 2 start when the Marlins face the Nationals at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. The decision was announced on Monday morning by manager Fredi Gonzalez.

Following Willis in the rotation will be Scott Olsen, Anibal Sanchez and Ricky Nolasco, who will start the home opener on April 6 against Phillies at Dolphin Stadium. Because of an off day on April 5, the Marlins will go with a four-man rotation until April 10. The front-runner for the fifth spot is Sergio Mitre, while Yusmeiro Petit is also in consideration.

Thus far, Willis is having an up-and-down spring in terms of statistics. His record is 0-3 with a 6.92 ERA in four starts. One of his objectives now is lowering his walk totals, and he is encouraged that he has only issued just two free passes in 13 innings this spring. In 2006, Willis walked a career-high 83 batters, and he led the Major Leagues by hitting 19 batters with pitches. The 25-year-old Willis is coming off a 12-12 year with a 3.87 ERA and 1.42 WHIP. He made 34 starts, logged 223 1/3 innings, and recorded 160 strikeouts.

Since being called up from Double-A in May 2003, Willis is 58-39 with a 3.44 career ERA. His 58 victories are the most by a Marlins pitcher. The left-hander is a two-time All-Star, and in 2003, Willis was the National League Rookie of the Year. In 2005, when he went 22-10 and topped the Major Leagues in victories, Willis also became the first 20-game winner in Marlins history.
Source: MLB.com