"The Pirates today named Zach Duke their starter for the April 5 season opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers at PNC Park.

It will be Duke's second such designation, having started the opener in 2007.

"It's definitely an honor," Duke said. "At the same time, there were three of us who were all worthy of it, and any of us would do just fine in the role. It just so happens that it lines up best for the team that I take the ball for the first game. But I'll certainly try to make the most of it.""