Henderson Alvarez Named Marlins' Opening Day Starter

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VIERA (CBSMiami/AP) — The Miami Marlins look to have one of the stronger pitching staff's in the National League this season, and the team has finally decided who will get the first start of the year.

Henderson Alvarez has been picked to start the Marlins' opener against the Atlanta Braves on April 6.

Alvarez went 12-7 with a 2.65 ERA for Miami last season. The right-hander, who turns 25 on April 18, was the favorite because Jose Fernandez is recovering from Tommy John surgery. Alvarez pitched a no-hitter against Detroit on the final day of the 2013 season.

Marlins manager Mike Redmond called the decision a "no brainer."

"This guy had an unbelievable year last year," Redmond said Sunday. "He stepped up at a time last year when we really needed somebody to step up, when Jose went down. I think he really turned the corner as far as being a starter and knowing and proving to himself and a lot of people that he can win big league games and go out there and pitch deep into games as well."

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