The Royals will embark on the 2023 season later this week, and the team will send a crafty veteran to the mound for the season opener.

 

Right-handed pitcher Zack Greinke was named the starter by Royals manager Matt Quatraro. It will be the seventh career Opening Day start for Greinke, who also pitched Game 1 in 2010, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2022.

 

Greinke is entering the 20th season of his career, and has proven to be effective, even at the age of 39. Last season, the right hander made 26 starts for the Royals, with a 3.68 ERA and 73 strikeouts in 137 innings pitched.

 

The Royals open their season on Thursday afternoon against the Minnesota Twins, where Greinke will be opposed by Twins starter Pablo Lopez.Coverage of the game begins at 2 p.m. CT on Sunshine 98.9 KQQF.