PHILADELPHIA — Cliff Lee will start Game 1 of the World Series for the Philadelphia Phillies, regardless of the opponent.

The left-hander has been dominant in the postseason, going 2-0 with an 0.74 ERA in three starts. Manager Charlie Manuel made the announcement Sunday.
Lee will take the mound Wednesday night at New York or Anaheim. The Yankees lead the Angels 3-2 in the AL championship series.
Manuel hasn’t set the rest of his rotation. Pedro Martinez or Cole Hamels are the candidates to pitch Game 2. By pitching the opener, Lee could get three starts if needed, and Manuel said he would consider using his ace on three days’ rest.
Lee was the AL Cy Young Award winner last year with Cleveland. He joined the Phillies in a trade and went 7-4 with a 3.39 ERA in 12 starts.