FRISCO, TEXAS (APRIL 1, 2014) - Rangers left-hander Matt Harrison will continue his journey back to the big leagues with an Opening Day start for the Frisco RoughRiders on Thursday night at Dr Pepper Ballpark. Harrison will start the RoughRiders' first regular season game against the Northwest Arkansas Naturals.

Thursday's game is scheduled to start at 7:05 p.m. and tickets for the contest remain available. Fans may purchase tickets at the Dr Pepper Ballpark box office, by calling (972) 334-1900 or by visiting www.RidersBaseball.com.

Harrison, the Rangers' Opening Day starting pitcher last year, underwent a pair of back surgeries last April and May before beginning a minor league rehab assignment in late July that included two starts with Frisco. After experiencing numbness in his left hand during a rehab start, Harrison was shut down for the rest of the season. On September 9 he had surgery on his right shoulder to alleviate Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. The 2012 American League All-Star suffered a setback early in spring training after feeling neck and back stiffness, delaying his readiness for the start of the 2014 major league season. The Rangers placed him on the 15-day disabled list to begin the season.

Acquired in a seven-player trade with the Atlanta Braves in 2007, Harrison was a member of the RoughRiders in 2008 and went 3-2 with a 3.33 ERA (17 ER/46 IP) in nine starts. In addition to his rehab assignment in 2013, he also rehabbed with Frisco in 2009 and 2010.

Opening Day on Thursday marks the start of a six-game home stand to begin the regular season. For information on how to see the RoughRiders in 2014, please call (972) 731-9200, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.RidersBaseball.com.