Nolasco named Opening Day starter

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Moments after the Marlins lost 4-1 to the Mets on Thursday afternoon, manager Mike Redmond announced Ricky Nolasco will be the Opening Day starter.

The news was expected, but official word came following Nolasco’s impressive 3 2/3 inning performance against the Mets.

“He knows how to pitch. He knows the league,” Redmond said. “I think he will definitely help some of our young guys about how to pitch certain hitters in certain situations. That experience, we don’t have a lot of that, whether it is in the bullpen or with our starters. He’s that guy who definitely our young guys will look to for a little guidance.”

Redmond didn’t announce who would follow Nolasco in the rotation.

Miami opens on April 1 at Washington.

– Joe Frisaro