The anticipation surrounding the MLB season took center stage Tuesday as Major League Baseball revealed the starting pitching matchups for all the opening day games, following the excitement of the NCAA Tournament bracket release two days earlier.
Many teams had already disclosed their opening-day starters, but the official confirmation added an extra layer of excitement for players and fans alike.
Colorado pitcher Kyle Freeland expressed his gratitude for being chosen as the Rockies’ opening-day starter, acknowledging the honor and responsibility that comes with the role. “To be able to be told by your skipper that you’re going to be the guy that’s starting the first game of the season, it’s an honor,” Freeland shared in a video released by the team.
The MLB opener in Seoul, South Korea, featured an intriguing matchup between Los Angeles Dodgers’ newcomer Tyler Glasnow and San Diego’s Yu Darvish. Glasnow, who recently signed a lucrative contract with the Dodgers, is set to make his debut for the team after being acquired from Tampa Bay.
Among the notable matchups, Philadelphia’s Zack Wheeler is slated to face Atlanta’s Spencer Strider at Citizens Bank Park, while Corbin Burnes, the reigning NL Cy Young Award winner, will make his Baltimore debut against the Los Angeles Angels.
Several teams are introducing new faces in their opening day rotations, including the Chicago White Sox, who announced that Garrett Crochet will make his first career start. Crochet, transitioning to a starting role this season, brings a wealth of bullpen experience to the mound.
Oakland’s opening day assignment went to Alex Wood, marking the first time the seasoned left-hander has started an opener in his career.
With matchups spanning across the league, from New York to Miami, and from Houston to Seattle, fans can expect an exciting start to the MLB season as top pitchers take the mound to kick off their team’s campaigns.
