Diamondbacks pick Kennedy to start on opening day

[March 16, 2011]  SCOTTSDALE Ariz. (AP) -- Ian Kennedy has been picked to start on opening day for the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Arizona manager Kirk Gibson said Tuesday that Kennedy will pitch April 1 at Colorado.

The right-hander went 9-10 with a 3.80 ERA last season, his first with the Diamondbacks after coming over in a trade from the New York Yankees. He had 168 strikeouts and 70 walks in 32 starts.

The 26-year-old Kennedy is 10-14 with a 4.33 ERA in 44 career starts. He is 0-0 with a 7.88 ERA in three outings this spring.

Gibson also said Daniel Hudson, who is 1-1 with a 3.48 ERA in three appearances this spring, will be the Diamondbacks' No. 2 starter.

[Associated Press]

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