When does the 2021 MLB season start? originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington
No professional sports league had its regular season altered in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic more than Major League Baseball.
Instead of having its typical six-month, 162-game slate last season, the pandemic forced the MLB to postpone Opening Day until late July. As a result, the league put together a 60-game sprint for the regular season with an expanded postseason, one that saw the Los Angeles Dodgers take home its first World Series title since 1988.
The pandemic is still prevalent, but things are looking up and Major League Baseball is pushing forward. The league is planning on conducting a full 162-game season in 2021, beginning on April 1, as spring training is well underway right now. Most teams will have fans in the stands on Opening Day, too, with the Texas Rangers even opening Globe Life Park to 100% capacity.
With the MLB season just around the corner, here’s everything you need to know about when it starts.
When is MLB Opening Day?
Opening Day is set for Thursday, April 1.
Who is playing on Opening Day?
All 30 teams will begin their season on April 1. Locally, the Nationals will host the Mets while the Orioles travel to Boston for an AL East clash with the Red Sox.
You can find the full Opening Day schedule here.
Opening Day National TV Schedule
ESPN will nationally broadcast four of the 15 Opening Day games. They are as follows:
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Blue Jays vs. Yankees (1:05 p.m. ET)
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Rockies vs. Dodgers (4:10 p.m. ET)
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Mets vs. Nationals (7:09 p.m. ET)
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Angels vs. White Sox (10:05 p.m. ET)
All 11 other games will be broadcast on local regional networks and can be streamed on MLB.TV
Upcoming 2021 MLB Calendar