HOUSTON – Houston manager A.J. Hinch named Justin Verlander the Astros' Opening Day starter in an in-game interview during Monday's spring training game against the Marlins.
Hinch also said Dallas Keuchel will pitch the second game of the season.
Houston plays four games in Arlington to start the season.
Verlander wills tart for Houston on March 29 against the Rangers in Arlington after going 5-0 in five regular-season starts with the Astros last season after being traded from the Detroit Tigers on Aug. 31.
He allowed four runs in those five starts, covering 34 innings.
It will be the 10th career opening day start for Verlander
Houston sent Daz Cameron, Franklin Perez and Jake Rogers to Detroit for Verlander.
Verlander started five postseason games during Houston's run to a World Series championship.
He was named the ALCS MVP after starting two games against the New York Yankees in the seven-game series. In Game 2, Verlander tossed a complete game, allowing one run while striking out 13 Yankees.
Verlander started Games 2 and 6 in Los Angeles during the World Series. He went six innings in each game. Houston won Game 2, 7-6, and lost Game 6, 3-1, before winning Game 7 to claim the championship.
Keuchel was the Astros' opening day starter for the Astros in each of the last three seasons.