James Shields to start opening day for Padres vs. Dodgers

Just in case the $75 million free agent contract wasn't enough proof, the Padres made it official on Saturday that James Shields would be their opening day starter, getting the call on Monday, April 6 against Clayton Kershaw and the Dodgers.

This guy. Opening Day. pic.twitter.com/NZGVSD6XJX

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) March 28, 2015

"Any time you get the nod it's an honor. I'm very grateful for the opportunity & am pretty excited about it."-Shields pic.twitter.com/IgACZsxv6P

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) March 28, 2015

And Shields has another nickname besides "Big Game James," and this one is more baseball-y.

Bud Black announces that James "Shieldsy" Shields will start Opening Day at Dodger Stadium.

— Dennis Lin (@dennistlin) March 28, 2015

Shields, a Newhall native, has never pitched at Dodger Stadium. "It's gonna be pretty surreal for me," he said.

— Dennis Lin (@dennistlin) March 28, 2015