mlb.com

The ace of the Mariners' starting rotation makes his second career Opening Night start in the past three seasons. The first one was an eight-inning shutout effort against the Athletic two years ago.

Hernandez is coming off an up-and-down Spring Training, pitching superbly for Venezuela in two World Baseball Classic appearances but scuffling a bit in Cactus League games. He finished camp with a 0-0 record and 8.36 ERA. But he pronounced himself healthy and ready to go in the opener against the Twins after his final outing of the spring and is looking for his first career victory at the Metrodome, have lost his only decision in the Teflon-roofed facility.

After finishing among the AL leaders in several categories last season, including the eighth-lowest ERA, sixth in road ERA (3.01), seventh with 7.8 strikeouts per nine innings, he is due for some run support. King Felix had a 2.72 ERA in the 11 games that he received a no-decision, allowing three or fewer runs in nine of those starts.

This will mark Liriano's first career Opening Day start, a significant achievement for the pitcher who is just 2 1/2 years removed from Tommy John elbow ligament replacement surgery. Liriano was given the nod in the contest after the club's projected Opening Day starter, Scott Baker, was placed on the 15-day disabled list with right shoulder stiffness.

As for Liriano, he's looking to deliver a standout season in his second full season back from surgery. The pitcher's velocity and trademark slider might not be the same as they were back in 2006, his breakout rookie season, but Liriano's pitching repertoire can still intimidate hitters. That's particularly true now thanks to his new changeup, which manager Ron Gardenhire described as "Santana-like" this spring.

After posting a 6-1 record with a 2.74 ERA in 11 starts when he returned to the Twins rotation on Aug.1 of last year, Liriano went 1-2 with a 4.94 ERA in eight Grapefruit League starts this spring.