The Chicago Cubs have tabbed Jake Arrieta as their starter on Opening Day against the Los Angeles Angels.
Arrieta also started on Opening Day for the Baltimore Orioles in 2012.
"It's another surprise," Joe Maddon joked. "Of course he's very excited about it. He's earned that right."
Arrieta went 22-7 with a 1.77 ERA in 2015, producing the lowest post-All-Star break ERA (0.75) in Major League history.
The right-hander will be followed in the rotation by Jon Lester and John Lackey, though Maddon indicated Lackey could go ahead of Lester depending on the matchup.