PITTSBURGH (93-7 The FAN) — Pirates starting pitcher Erik Bedard was named the team’s opening day starter Thursday by manager Clint Hurdle.

Had A.J. Burnett not broken his orbital bone early in Spring Training he would have started opening day. With Burnett expected to miss at least the first month of the season, Bedard will take over duties at the top of the rotation.

Hurdle said Jeff Karstens will sit second in the rotation to start the season, followed by James McDonald and Kevin Correia.

The Pirates open the season at PNC Park against the Philadelphia Phillies April 5. Their first road trip starts April 10 at the Los Angeles Dodgers.

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Chris Gates | Bucs Blog
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