The Twins made news for the third straight day on Thursday, but this one is a little less surprising. The club announced on social media that right-hander Pablo López will make the start on Opening Day when Minnesota faces St. Louis at Busch Stadium on March 27.

It will be the third Opening Day start in as many seasons with the Twins for L¨®pez, who was acquired in a trade with the Marlins prior to the 2023 season. He was excellent in each of his previous opener assignments, and Minnesota has won both.

L¨®pez, who turns 29 next month, went 15-10 with a 4.08 ERA in 185 1/3 innings last season. He¡¯s made 32 starts and pitched at least 180 innings in each of the past three seasons.

The veteran fronts a rotation that should be a strength of the team, with Bailey Ober, Joe Ryan, Simeon Woods Richardson and Chris Paddack expected to fill the next four slots.

Thursday¡¯s announcement follows the news of the club reaching deals with free-agent outfielder Harrison Bader on Wednesday and reliever Danny Coulombe on Tuesday.