The Diamondbacks right-hander will become only the third pitcher in franchise history to make multiple Opening Day starts. That happens when he steps up on the mound Friday and delivers the baseball to officially start the 2012 season.

"I think every first start -- for each pitcher, every season -- is always going to be a little more adrenaline just because it's not spring training," he said.

Kennedy started Opening Day last year, working six innings and earning a no decision against the the Rockies. However, he pitched at Coors Field. Now, he'll pitch in the more familiar surroundings of Chase Field.

"I feel like this year -- since it's against the Giants, at home, it's going to be a little bit more intense for our players," Kennedy explained. "For myself, I'm going to try to keep it to a minimum, that adrenaline level."

The Diamondbacks are the defending NL West champions, having ousted a Giants team that claimed the crown in 2010.

"It adds a little bit to it," Kennedy said of having the last two division winners on the same field. "I know they're going to be excited just like we are.

"The target is on our back. It's going to be a lot of fun."