Rockies' Matzek named Opening Day starter

The Colorado Rockies thin starting pitching depth will be on full display when the season kicks off in Milwaukee as they hand the ball to 24-year-old Tyler Matzek on Opening Day against Brewers.

"I'm excited. It's going to be a great game. It's a huge opportunity," Matzek told Nick Groke of the Denver Post. "Not many guys can say they started a home opener. I just want to start the season off at home with a 'W.' I'll give it my all."

Matzek has thrown just 117 2/3 innings in the majors and was roughed up in his rookie year in 2014, posting a 6-11 record and 4.05 ERA across 20 appearances. 

Despite the left-hander getting off to a rocky start this spring, allowing six runs off eight hits and four walks in eight innings, manager Walt Weiss feels confident in his decision to roll the former first-round pick out to start the season. 

"We feel good about him being out there," Weiss said. "Matzek can pitch off the barrel in different ways, with a very good breaking ball and a good fastball that he can stick on the inside of the plate against righties. He's got stuff. And when he commands that stuff, he's tough on any lineup anywhere."

Jhoulys Chacin started for the Rockies on Opening Day in 2013 was surprisingly released earlier this spring, while last season's starter, Jorge De La Rosa, is expected to begin the season on the disabled list.