Number 7: Chicago White Sox at Detroit Tigers (Friday)
The new-look Tigers get to show right out of the gate how they could measure up in the American League Central. The White Sox, meanwhile, will be out to prove that there is more to this year’s team than last year’s squad that went out in the American League Division Series. Here’s hoping the weather for this Opening Day in Detroit is better than last season’s opener.
Number 6: Texas Rangers at Toronto Blue Jays (Friday)
Jon Gray gets the Opening Day start for the Rangers, just one of several new pieces added to a Rangers roster in what was a busy offseason in the Lone Star State. After a 102-loss season in 2021, there is hope for better days ahead in Texas. Toronto, meanwhile, remade its rotation and lineup as well with some big moves with the goal of winning what will be a very tough American League East.
Number 5: Seattle Mariners at Minnesota Twins (Thursday)
Now batting for your Minnesota Twins … Carlos Correa. Those are words we didn’t think we would hear earlier in the offseason, huh? Well, Correa is just one of several new faces that will debut at Target Field against a Seattle squad that just missed out on the postseason in 2021. Will defending American League Cy Young winner Robbie Ray be the ace the Mariners need? Will Jesse Winker continue his All-Star play in the Seattle outfield after being acquired in a trade?
Number 4: Houston Astros at Los Angeles Angels (Thursday)
It very well could be the Wild West (American League) West this season with Seattle, Texas, and the Angels all making offseason moves in an attempt to knock Houston off the top of the division. Mike Trout returns to the lineup and Shohei Ohtani has settled into the leadoff hitter role for Los Angeles and will be the starting pitcher as well, so fans will get to see plenty of firepower on both sides early in this one.