Former Vol R.A. Dickey To Serve As Opening Day Starter For Blue Jays
By Zach Ragan
March 23, 2013; Dunedin, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher R.A. Dickey (43) throws the ball as he talks with left fielder Rajai Davis (11) prior to the game against the Atlanta Braves at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Former Tennessee Volunteer pitcher R.A. Dickey will be an opening day starter for the first time in his career on Tuesday when the Toronto Blue Jays take on the Cleveland Indians.
In 2012 the knuckleballer had the finest season of his career with the New York Mets. Dickey posted a 20-6 record, along with a 2.73 era. Dickey also led the NL in strikeouts with 230.
The 38 year old was named the NL Cy Young award winner after his career season.
This past December the Mets sent Dickey, along with Josh Thole and Mike Nickeas, to the Blue Jays in exchange for Travis d’Arnaud, John Buck, Noah Syndergaard and Wuilmer Becerra.
Dickey signed a two year extension worth $25 million that will keep the Nashville, TN native a Blue Jay through at least 2015. The Blue Jays hold an option for 2016 that is worth $12 million.
The Blue Jays have made several key off-season moves the past couple of years that have them as the team to beat in the AL east. Toronto bolstered their lineup by adding shortstop Jose Reyes and outfielder Melky Cabrera. The Blue Jays also improved their pitching staff by adding not only Dickey but also Mark Buehrle and Josh Johnson.
The Blue Jays open their season with a three-game series against the Indians. First pitch for all three games is scheduled for 7:07 pm est.