MLB Opening Day

On March 30th, 2023, the MLB opened its 147th season with a slate of 15 separate games for the fans to enjoy. Along with the brand new season came brand new rules, and this MLB season should leave fans amazed at how it will play out. 
by Drew Caraway

On March 30th, 2023, the MLB opened its 147th season with a slate of 15 separate games for the fans to enjoy. Along with the brand new season came brand new rules, such as bigger bases, a timer, and even removing the shift. This MLB season should leave fans amazed at how the season will play out.
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MLB Opening Day is the very first day of the regular season. Same with Opening Week. The regular season lasts 162 games, with the possibility of 163 based on the team's division standings. The MLB Playoffs start in early October and end in early to mid November. ​

​MLB Opening Day Games

• Georgia’s own Atlanta Braves opened the MLB Season with a 1:00 PM game against the Washington Nationals. The Braves prevailed in a 7-2 victory, losing Star Pitcher Max Fried in the process. He is only on the 15-Day IL, so he should return soon.
• The New York Yankees beat the San Francisco Giants 5-0 with the help of reigning MVP Aaron Judge’s 1st Inning Home Run. 
• The Baltimore Orioles beat the Boston Red Sox 10-9. 
• The Chicago Cubs beat the Milwaukee Brewers 4-0. 
• The Tampa Bay Rays beat the Detroit Tigers 4-0. 
• The Texas Rangers beat the Philadelphia Phillies 11-7. 
• The Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Cincinnati Reds 5-4. 
• The Toronto Blue Jays beat the St. Louis Cardinals 10-9. 
• The Minnesota Twins beat the Kansas City Royals 2-0. 
• The New York Mets beat the Miami Marlins 5-3. 
• The Chicago White Sox beat the reigning World Series Champion Houston Astros 3-2.
• The Colorado Rockies beat the San Diego Padres 3-2. 
• The Oakland Athletics beat the Los Angeles Angels 2-1. 
  
• The Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 8-2. 
  
• The Seattle Mariners beat the Cleveland Guardians 3-0.
  
  

What are the New Rule Changes?

​The MLB introduced brand new rule changes in 2023 after testing them in the minor leagues in 2022. The new rule changes are a pitch clock, bigger bases, and banning the beloved shift.

• The pitch clock intends to move the game along quicker. There is a 30 second clock between batters, a 15 second clock for the pitcher to pitch the ball, and a 20 second clock for the pitcher to pitch the ball if there is a runner on 1st, 2nd, or 3rd.
  
• The bigger bases are intended to lead to more stolen bases. The bases improved from 15” to 18”, making a large difference for base runners.
  
• The banning of the shift is intended to improve batting average for hitters. With the new rules, teams can only have two fielders on each side of the second base bag.

MLB World Series Odds

photo by Annie Mulligan, New York Times

The 2022 World Series featured the Philadelphia Phillies out of the NL and the Houston Astros out of the AL. Powered by AL Cy Young Winner, Justin Verlander, and the explosive lineup, the Houston Astros were able to defeat the Philadelphia Phillies 4-2 in the series.

​This season, the Astros are the favorites to repeat the covenant title, being tied with only the New York Yankees and New York Mets at +600. The Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta Braves are creeping right behind at +700 and +900 (via FoxSports). 

With all the improving teams, rule changes, and major intensity between teams, this season should be one of the best. There should be no worry for Rob Manfred about his job status. Now, fans get to watch 6 months of uninterrupted baseball, awaiting the winners of the beloved World Series trophy. ​

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