By CURTIS ROCKWELL/Sports Director

For the second straight season, former Ocean Springs High standout Garrett Crochet will be busy on Opening Day in Major League Baseball.

Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora officially announced over the weekend that the newly acquired Crochet would be his starter for the first game in Texas late next week against the home-standing Rangers.

The 25-year-old lefty has not allowed a run over his first three spring starts since coming over to the Red Sox from the Chicago White Sox in an off season trade. He has walked five and struck out 14 in 6 1/3 innings. He’s set for two more starts before Opening Day March 27 in Texas.

“There’s a reason we got him here,” Cora told a group of Red Sox beat reporters. “We envision him as a true number one starter, to be determined in a way, right? But we truly believe that where we’re at as an organization and what he represents, it will be good for him to make the first pitch of the season.”

Crochet appreciated the opportunity but downplayed it as well.

“Not to downplay it, but it’s just another start,” Crochet said. “It was just a matter of when my first one was gonna be. It happens to be Opening Day, and I’m really excited about that, and I hope to shoulder all the responsibilities that come with it with pride and just lead this team.”

Cora was asked what went into his decision to give the honor to Crochet in his first season with the team.

“It’s just who [Crochet is]. His stuff is big,” said Cora. “There’s a reason we got him here. We envision him as a true No. 1. To be determined, right? Kind of? But we truly believe with where we are as an organization and what he represents, it will be good for him to make the first pitch of the season.”

Crochet was an All-Star last season with Chicago in his first as a full-time starter in the Major Leagues.

This will be his second Opening Day start after he drew that honor for the White Sox a year ago.

“Obviously, I did it last year,” said Crochet. “But this year, I definitely really had to earn it. [There’s] some really good arms on the staff, and I’m excited.”