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For 2 groups, the MLB season kicks off this week.
The Dodgers and Padres meet in Seoul, South Korea for a two-game set on Wednesday and Thursday within the first sequence of the league yr.
For these planning to observe at dwelling within the U.S., the primary pitch for each video games is at 6 a.m. ET, so ensure that to brew an additional pot of espresso.
When you’re at it, keep watch over these three issues.
Prized Dodgers offseason acquisitions make their debut
Dodgers followers will not wait lengthy to see the staff’s spectacular offseason additions. Pitcher Tyler Glasnow, acquired in a commerce with the Rays, will begin the opener whereas Japanese ace Yoshinobu Yamamato will get the Recreation 2 nod. Glasnow posted a 3.53 earned run common (ERA) in 2023 and was sharp in spring coaching with a 0.90 ERA in 10 innings pitched.
Yamamoto was much less constant, placing out 14 batters however issuing 15 hits. Following a scoreless debut outing, he allowed 9 earned runs in his closing 7.2 innings pitched.
The headliner, in fact, is two-time AL MVP Shohei Ohtani. He was sensible this spring, posting a .500 batting common and reaching base on 15 of his 26 plate appearances. Ohtani is projected to bat second to open the season.
Padres beginning pitcher Yu Darvish vs. loaded L.A. lineup
Darvish is getting into his fourth season with the Padres and might be their Opening Day starter. As MLB.com notes, Wednesday will mark the primary time Darvish and Ohtani, teammates on Japan’s World Baseball Basic roster final yr, face off within the majors. That duel might be a must-watch, as will his battles with Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman.
In 31 profession at-bats in opposition to Darvish, Betts solely has a .194 batting common. Freeman has had extra success and is batting .286 with two dwelling runs in opposition to the right-hander.
Offseason surgical procedure’s affect on Padres third baseman Manny Machado
Loads of gamers would have been content material placing up the identical numbers Machado did in 2023. Nevertheless it speaks volumes that his 30-home run, 91-RBI season was largely seen as a disappointment.
His .258 batting common ranked because the second worst of his profession, and he had his lowest on-base share (.319) since 2017.
After the 2023 season, Machado had elbow surgical procedure, which is able to power him to start out the season because the Padres designated hitter.
Following a powerful spring, that must be excellent news for the Padres. Machado hit .370 in 27 Cactus League at-bats, suggesting he is prepared for the 2024 season to start.
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