2022 Opening Day Preview

Opening Day 2022 is here, delayed by one week thanks to an owners’ lockout which protracted collective bargaining negotiations. This year will bring big changes, like a universal designated hitter. Several of MLB’s biggest stars also found new homes during the offseason. Action will kick off with the Brewers facing the Cubs at Wrigley Field in Chicago at the customary Wrigley start time of 2:20 PM ET. Let’s take a look at some of the games to pay attention to on Thursday and Friday.

Astros at Angels

Thursday, April 7

Game Time: 9:38 PM ET

Starting Pitchers: Framber Valdez (2021 ERA: 3.14); Shohei Ohtani (2021 ERA: 3.18)

Houston ace Valdez will face the 2021 MVP winner who will benefit from one of the 2022 rule changes. The so-called “Ohtani Rule” will allow a pitcher to be listed as the designated hitter when starting a game, enabling the player to remain in the game as the DH after being relieved of pitching duties. The Angels were not a good team last year, but were must-see TV thanks to Ohtani’s historic performance as a two-way player.

White Sox at Tigers

Friday, April 8

Game Time: 1:10 PM ET

Starting Pitchers: Lucas Giolito (2021 ERA: 3.53); Eduardo Rodríguez (2021 ERA: 4.74)

Rodríguez will make his Tigers debut after a successful tenure with the Boston Red Sox, winning a World Series title in 2018. He is joined by Detroit’s marquee free agent acquisition Javier Báez, who will shore up the Tigers’ middle infield as they seek to dethrone the White Sox as American League Central Division champions.

Dodgers at Rockies

Friday, April 8

Game Time: 4:10 PM ET

Starting Pitchers: Walker Buehler (2021 ERA: 2.47); Kyle Freeland (2021 ERA: 4.33)

Kris Bryant and Randal Grichuk join the Rox for what is expected to be an uphill 2022 campaign.

Mariners at Twins

Friday, April 8

Game Time: 4:10 PM ET

Starting Pitchers: TBD

Top prospect Julio Rodríguez made the cut for the Opening Day roster of an up-and-coming Mariners team. Look for high-profile Twins signee Carlos Correa to be part of the Minnesota starting lineup.

Rangers at Blue Jays

Friday, April 8

Game Time: 7:07 PM ET

Starting Pitchers: Jon Gray (2021 ERA: 4.59); José Berríos (2021 ERA: 3.52)

2021 MVP finalist Marcus Semien returns to Rogers Centre to face his former squad, an early favorite for the 2022 American League championship.

Featured Image: Baltimore, Maryland / United States, April 6, 2019 – View behind home plate of Opening Day field paint at Orioles Park at Camden Yards, home of the Baltimore Orioles by Amy Roswurm / Shutterstock.com.