Eight players will make first Opening Day start for Reds

The Reds’ Phillip Ervin bats against the Cubs on Saturday, April 22, 2017, at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati. It was his first big-league at-bat. David Jablonski/Staff

The Reds’ Phillip Ervin bats against the Cubs on Saturday, April 22, 2017, at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati. It was his first big-league at-bat. David Jablonski/Staff

Joey Votto and Eugenio Suarez are the only players in the Opening Day lineup for the Cincinnati Reds who have started the opener in years past.

Votto will make his 12th straight start on Opening Day. Suarez will be in the lineup for the fifth straight year. Catcher Tucker Barnhart, who started the last three openers, and outfielder Jesse Winker, who started the last two, are not starting Friday.

Seven position players and pitcher Sonny Gray will make their first Opening Day start. The lineup was announced Friday afternoon. It includes designatged hitter Matt Davidson, who was added to the 30-man roster on Friday. Here it is:

1. Phillip Ervin, left field.

2. Votto, first base.

3. Suarez, third base.

4. Nick Castellanos, right field.

5. Mike Moustakas, second base.

6. Davidson, designated hitter.

7. Nick Senzel, center field.

8. Freddy Galvis, shortstop.

9. Curt Casali, catcher.

The Reds play the Detroit Tigers at 6:10 p.m. Friday at Great American Ball Park.

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