Gerrit Cole makes his debut for the Astros as they face Mike Minor and the Rangers. The addition of Cole gave the Astros at least three aces, as he joins Astros established ace Dallas Keuchel and former Tigers ace Justin Verlander. Depending on how your rate Lance McCullers, Jr., the Astros may be trotting out four aces. Cole, however, comes off two disappointing seasons in Pittsburgh. Injury shortened his 2016 campaign, and a full 2017 season produced a high ERA. His strikeout and walk rates were good, but he allowed 31 home runs, having allowed 36 in the previous four seasons in total. Minor returned to the majors in 2017 in a relief role for Kansas City and pitched extremely well. Minor missed all of 2015 due to rotator cuff surgery, and spent 2016 rehabilitating in the minor leagues. The Royals used him as a reliever to keep him healthy. Texas believes he can start again.

All eyes will be on Oakland as Shohei Ohtani of the Angels faces Daniel Gossett of the Athletics. Ohtani makes a once a century start:

Ohtani’s two-way endeavor will carry historical significance, as the 23-year-old Japanese phenom will become the first Major League player to start as a non-pitcher on Opening Day and then start as a pitcher within his team’s first 10 games since Babe Ruth with the Red Sox in 1919.

They really had to stretch that comparison to make it work. In Japan, Ohtani posted great three-true outcome numbers. He did not pitch much in record spring training games, so we will see what he can really do today. The other question is, will the Angels forgo the designated hitter to allow Ohtani to bat in the game?

Gossett posted a high ERA during his rookie season of 2017, mostly due to allowing 21 home runs in only 91 1/3 innings. His 2.07 HR per 9 IP was one of the highest rates in the majors for pitchers with at least 90 innings in 2017. He will need to get that under control to stick around.

Enjoy!