Manager Bob Melvin said Saturday that Montas will be the Athletics' Opening Day starter, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com
Melvin raved about Montas' three-inning outing in a simulated game Monday, and the right-hander was officially named the starter for the team's season opener against the Angels on July 24. The 27-year-old was suspended for 80 games last season but posted a career-best 2.63 ERA and 1.11 WHIP over 96 innings across 16 starts and impressed in three Cactus League outings this spring.