MLB PLAYER NEWS

Royals name RHP Volquez as Opening Day starter

The Sports Xchange

March 26, 2016 at 3:19 pm.

Mar 13, 2016; Surprise, AZ, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Edinson Volquez (36) pitches during the first inning against the Cleveland Indians at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Mar 13, 2016; Surprise, AZ, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Edinson Volquez (36) pitches during the first inning against the Cleveland Indians at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Volquez will face Mets right-hander Matt Harvey on April 3 at Kauffman Stadium in a rematch of Game 5 in the World Series.

“It was an easy decision,” Royals manager Ned Yost said Saturday. “We weighted the year he had last year. And we thought it would be cool: When was the last time two starting pitchers pitched consecutive games? Game 5 starters are matching up again.”

Volquez went 13-9 with a 3.55 ERA in 34 games last season.

“It’ll be like a video we’re watching over and over,” Volquez said. “Going to face Harvey again. It will be a great game.”