OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – Tim Hudson is slated to pitch Oakland’s opener in the playoffs next week.

Athletics manager Ken Macha announced his pick Wednesday, a day after the A’s clinched their second straight AL West title. Barry Zito is likely to pitch Game 2, followed by left-hander Ted Lilly. Macha has said he likely will use a three-man rotation.

Hudson (16-7) pitched seven strong innings Wednesday after Macha gave him the option to start either Wednesday or Friday in Seattle. Hudson preferred to go Wednesday, giving him two extra days’ rest.

“I’ll just sit and watch and take a couple days off, then get back to my regular routine,” Hudson said.

“I’ll play catch here and there.”

The A’s have lost in the first round of the playoffs for three straight seasons.

AP-ES-09-24-03 2105EDT