Major League Baseball's opening day is set to showcase some exciting matchups and player debuts across the league.
One of the most anticipated events is the Los Angeles Dodgers hosting the St. Louis Cardinals, with all eyes on two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani. Ohtani, who recently made headlines for allegations against his former interpreter, will not be pitching this season due to injury but will be a key player for the Dodgers.
In the NL East, the Philadelphia Phillies will face the Atlanta Braves in a game featuring pitchers Zack Wheeler and Spencer Strider. Wheeler signed a lucrative contract extension, while Strider has been working on adding a curveball to his arsenal.
Several star players will debut with new teams, including Juan Soto with the New York Yankees and Josh Hader with the Houston Astros. Corbin Burnes, Matt Chapman, and Rhys Hoskins are also set to make their first appearances with their new clubs.
Two promising hitting prospects, Jackson Chourio and Wyatt Langford, are poised to make their MLB debuts. Chourio signed a significant contract, while Langford was a high draft pick for the Texas Rangers.
Some teams will be without their injured closers on opening day, including the Arizona Diamondbacks, Baltimore Orioles, Milwaukee Brewers, Minnesota Twins, and Toronto Blue Jays. Notably, the Orioles signed veteran Craig Kimbrel to fill in for Félix Bautista, who is out for the season due to injury.
Changes in coaching staff and player lineups are also on the horizon, with new managers and starting pitchers taking the field for various teams. Rain is forecasted for the New York Mets' game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Citi Field, where new faces will be leading both teams.
Overall, MLB's opening day promises excitement, debuts, and changes as teams gear up for a new season of baseball.
