LEADING OFF: Harper, champ Red Sox open, all 30 teams play
A look at what’s happening around the majors today:
FOR OPENERS
Bryce Harper, Mookie Betts, Mike Trout and everyone else is set to play, at last. All 30 teams are in action, with opening day on deck at Yankee Stadium, Dodger Stadium and ballparks in between. The forecast is pretty good in most places, with no snow or frosty temps expected, although rain is a possibility in Kansas City and Oakland.
Chris Sale starts for the World Series champion Red Sox when they visit red-hot Seattle — well, the Mariners have started out 2-0 after sweeping the A’s last week at the Tokyo Dome.
CY AND SIGH
Jacob deGrom and Blake Snell get an early chance to defend their Cy Young Awards — first-time winners last year, they’re pitching against the guys who were the runner-ups.
DeGrom (10-9, MLB-leading 1.70 ERA) starts for the Mets when they face three-time Cy winner Max Scherzer (18-7, MLB-high 300 strikeouts) at Nationals Park. Snell (21-5, 1.89 ERA) starts for the Rays vs. Justin Verlander (16-9, AL-best 290 Ks) and the Astros at Tropicana Field.
Since the Cy Young Award was first presented in 1956, only twice before have reigning winners opposed the second-place finisher on opening day the next season. In 1979, Ron Guidry (Yankees) faced runner-up Mike Caldwell (Brewers) and NL winner Gaylord Perry (Padres) went against Burt Hooton (Dodgers).
DEBUT YOU
Paul Goldschmidt (Cardinals), Manny Machado (Padres), Nelson Cruz (Twins), Michael Brantley (Astros), Robinson Cano (Mets), Billy Hamilton (Royals) and Yasiel Puig (Reds) play for the first time with their new teams. The Phillies show off a bevy of newly acquired All-Stars: Harper, Andrew McCutchen, Jean Segura, J.T. Realmuto and David Robertson.
Harper has five career home runs on opening day, tied with Albert Pujols and Ian Kinsler for most among active players. He’ll take on Julio Teheran and the NL East champion Braves — Harper is 18 for 50 (.450) with a personal-high eight homers against the Atlanta right-hander.
AILING
Cleveland shortstop Francisco Lindor, surprise World Series MVP Steve Pearce, Reds star Scooter Gennett and aces Clayton Kershaw and Luis Severino are hobbled. Royals catcher Salvador Perez, Tigers pitcher Michael Fulmer and Diamondbacks outfielder Steven Souza Jr. are out for the year.
GOOD LUCK, SKIP!
Six managers will make their debut: Brandon Hyde (Orioles), Charlie Montoyo (Blue Jays), David Bell (Reds), Rocco Baldelli (Twins) and Chris Woodward (Rangers) are first-time skippers, while Brad Ausmus succeeded longtime Angels skipper Mike Scioscia.
FAREWELLS
Manager Bruce Bochy, who guided the Giants to three titles in five seasons, begins his final season when San Francisco plays at San Diego. … The Rangers host the Cubs to begin the 26th and last season at their current ballpark. Texas moves next year across the street into a new stadium with a retractable roof. … Longtime announcers Marty Brennaman of the Reds and Steve Blass of the Pirates, both 76, start their last seasons when Pittsburgh visits Cincinnati. The teams also end the regular season together in Pittsburgh on Sept. 29.
“I’ve always tried to live a life of anticipation, so I’m looking forward to it,” Blass said. “I know I’m going to miss it.”
THEY BLUE IT
The Rays are looking at using blue lights to tint the roof of Tropicana Field in hopes of giving the domed stadium a different look as well as making it easier for players to track fly balls. Plans to use them are pending approval by Major League Baseball, which is not expected to make a decision by opening day. Tampa Bay played an exhibition at Tropicana Field on Tuesday and turned on the blue lights for the national anthem, but not during the game.
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