Nick Piccone
Aaron Nola will have to wait at least another year before becoming the Phillies’ Opening Day starter, because manager, Pete Mackanin, said today that Jeremy Hellickson will get the nod on Opening Day against the Reds. It’ll be Hellickson’s first start on Opening Day in his career. “It’s definitely a huge honor,” Hellickson told reporters.
Hellickson has pitched in two games in spring training, and has a 1.29 ERA to show for it. Not too shabby. He’ll be a free agent after this season.
Hellickson taking the bump on Opening Day will allow Nola to pitch in the Phillies’ home opener, where we’re teaming up with Nick’s Roast Beef for one of the greatest pregame tailgates ever. Ever.