Chris Paddack to start Opening Day for the Padres

Right-hander Chris Paddack of the San Diego Padres earned his first career Opening Day start and will oppose Madison Bumgarner of theArizona Diamondbackson Friday night at Petco Park.

"A little cowboy showdown," Paddack said. "I'm going to have to use my imagination and hear the 55,000 people cheering my name."

He will be followed in the Padres' rotation by Dinelson Lamet and Garrett Richards.

Paddack returned from Tommy John surgery to make 17 starts in the minors in 2018 and had a 2.10 ERA -- and just eight walks in 90 innings. He was given a chance in the starting rotation last season, and the right-hander impressed as a rookie, going 9-7 with a 3.33 ERA and 153 strikeouts in 140 innings.