NL Central Opening Day Starters

Cincinnati Reds

Tyler Mahle

Tyler Mahle will start for the Cincinnati Reds against the World Series champions Atlanta Braves. Mahle was successful in spring training, racking up 14 strikeouts over 10 innings of work. He finished last season with a 13-6 record and a 3.75 ERA in his first full major league campaign. In 94 major league starts, Mahle is 26-31 with a 4.34 ERA.

Chicago Cubs

Kyle Hendricks

2021 season (14-7, 4.77 ERA, 181 IP, 131 SO, 1.348 WHIP)

Kyle Hendricks will be the Chicago Cubs’ opening day starter for the third straight season. He will look to bounce back after a rough year in 2021. In his previous start, he threw a complete game against the Brewers.

Pittsburgh Pirates

J.T. Brubaker

2021 season (5-3, 5.36 ERA, 124 1/3 IP, 129 SO, 1.295 WHIP)

In 2020, J.T. Brubaker made his major league debut for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Two years later, he will be the team’s Opening Day starter. He will be the seventh different Opening Day starter for the Pirates in the last seven seasons.

Milwaukee Brewers

Corbin Burnes

2021 season (11-5, 2.43 ERA, 167 IP, 234 SO, 0.940 WHIP)

After winning the NL Cy Young award last season, Corbin Burnes was named as the Milwaukee Brewers’ Opening Day starter. He will be the team’s first pitcher to start on the season’s opening day after winning the award. In his previous start, he threw eight scoreless innings against the Chicago Cubs.

St. Louis Cardinals

Adam Wainwright

2021 season (17-7, 3.05 ERA, 206 1/3 IP, 174 SO, 1.057 WHIP)

For his 18th and possibly last season, Adam Wainwright will be the Cardinals’ opening day starter. He had a solid year for the team last year, helping the Cardinals reach the playoffs. He will be part of a talented roster that includes veterans such as Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina.