Via ESPN’s Bruce Levine, as the title suggests:

Robin Ventura names Chris Sale opening day starter.

Jake Peavy was the other candidate for the honor, but wholeheartedly endorsed sale. Peavy said, ”Chris is the best pitcher on the team. Your best guy goes opening day.”

Sale, who turns 24 years old in two weeks, finished the 2012 season (his first as a starting pitcher) with a 3.05 ERA and finished sixth in AL Cy Young voting. The lefty, listed at 6’6″, 180, is said to have added 10-15 pounds over the off-season.