By Tim Kelly, Sports Talk Philly editor 
Philadelphia Phillies manager Pete Mackanin officially announced that Jeremy Hellickson will get the ball when the team opens the season in Cincinnati against the Reds on April 3.
Jeremy Hellickson named opening day starter for Phillies
— Jim Salisbury (@JSalisburyCSN) March 19, 2017
Mackanin didn't exactly make the situation climatic, as he noted on Feburary 20 that there was a 'good chance' that Hellickson would be the team's Opening Day starter.
There had been some thought that Hellickson may be pushed by Jerad Eickhoff, who topped Hellickson in innings and ERA in 2016. Instead, the 27-year-old, who was acquired as part of the Cole Hamels trade with the Texas Rangers in July of 2015, will likely pitch the second game of the season.
Hellickson was probably the favorite because a year ago he not only started on Opening Day, but he started on Opening Day in Cincinnati. Hellickson finished the game with a no-decision, but had the lead when he left after tossing six innings and allowing just three hits and one unearned run.
The 29-year-old returned to the Phillies this offseason after accepting the club's $17.2 million qualifying offer, which means that he can become a free-agent after the season. The Phillies, unlikely to allow him to walk without getting as good of compensation for him as they can, will likely trade Hellickson prior to the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline. It would make Matt Klentak's job fairly easy if Hellickson can duplicate his 2016 season, where he went 12-10 with a 3.71 ERA, a 3.98 FIP and a 1.15 WHIP in 189 innings.
With the first two spots in the rotation presumably set, the rest could get interesting. Veteran Clay Buchholz, who the team acquired from the Boston Red Sox this offseason, has struggled so far this spring, posting a 5.40 ERA in four appearences. He's still likely to be the third starter, however, because the Phillies are expected to be cautious with how much they push the innings of Vince Velasquez and Aaron Nola.
