PHILADELPHIA — Justin Crawford will start as the Philadelphia Phillies' center fielder on Opening Day Thursday against the Texas Rangers at Citizens Bank Park. The 22-year-old was named to the Opening Day roster on Wednesday.

Crawford becomes the youngest Opening Day starting outfielder for the Phillies since Mike Anderson in 1972. "I feel ready. I'm ready to go," Crawford said.

The Phillies selected Crawford as the 17th overall pick in the 2022 MLB draft. Crawford was ranked as the No. 69 MLB prospect for 2026.

During spring training, Crawford hit .250 with a triple off Tarik Skubal and three doubles in 55 at-bats. He had 12 strikeouts and two walks during the spring exhibition games.

Crawford is the son of Carl Crawford, a four-time All-Star outfielder who played for the Tampa Bay Rays. The elder Crawford last played in the major leagues in 2016 with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Over 15 MLB seasons, Carl Crawford had a .290 batting average with 766 RBIs and 480 stolen bases.