By , Vázquez had become the ace of the Expos pitching staff thought of as a "bright young star and an All-Star for years to come." On April second he opened the season in Chicago, pitching five innings, striking out five but walking three against the Cubs. The Expos won a close game five to four. He pitched better the following start, the home opener at Olympic Stadium striking out nine without issuing any walks in seven innings and would finish the season with 223 innings pitched, 208 strikeouts, while only walking 44.