<\/p>\n
The second full week of the Major League Baseball<\/a> season is set to begin. Here are five things to look for:<\/p>\n You might call it Game 8 when the Los Angeles Dodgers<\/a> visit the Toronto Blue Jays<\/a> on Monday night. This game opens a three-game series at Rogers Centre. It is a rematch of last year’s thrilling World Series. The Dodgers won that series in seven games, capped with an 11-inning classic.<\/p>\n With their 7-2 record, tied with the Milwaukee Brewers<\/a> and New York Yankees<\/a> for the best in the major leagues, the Dodgers certainly look like a team capable of winning a third straight World Series. Meanwhile, the Blue Jays are off to a so-so 4-5 start.<\/p>\n Left-hander Justin Wrobleski will serve as the Dodgers\u2019 opener in the first game, facing Max Scherzer. In the other contests, Yoshinobu Yamamoto squares off against Kevin Gausman, while Shohei Ohtani takes on Dylan Cease.<\/p>\n It will be the grand reopening of Tropicana Field on Monday when the Tampa Bay Rays<\/a> host the Chicago Cubs\u00a0<\/a>in their home opener.<\/p>\n The quirky domed stadium was severely damaged in October 2024 when Hurricane David roared through St. Petersburg. Last season, the Rays played their home games at Steinbrenner Field. This is the Yankees\u2019 spring training home in Tampa.<\/p>\n Last season, the Rays played at what was essentially a neutral site and posted a 36-45 home record. As a result, home-field advantage was negligible.<\/p>\n If Jose Ramirez starts at third base Monday night for the Cleveland Guardians<\/a>, he will set the franchise record for games played. He will reach 1,620 games.<\/p>\n Terry Turner has held the record since 1918, when he played the last of his 15 seasons with Cleveland. Ramirez made his debut in 2013 and has earned seven All-Star Game berths and won six American League Silver Sluggers.<\/p>\n The Guardians begin a three-game series with the Kansas City Royals<\/a> at Progressive Field. This matchup features Ramirez and Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. \u2014 two of baseball\u2019s brightest stars.<\/p>\n The Pittsburgh Pirates<\/a> are 6-3, having won five straight games. They head into Monday night\u2019s opener of a three-game series against the visiting San Diego Padres<\/a> at PNC Park. Despite 29 losing seasons in the last 33 years, the Pirates now look like one of MLB\u2019s surprise teams.<\/p>\n Reigning National League Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes is scheduled to start on Tuesday night. All eyes are on rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin, who is 1-for-9 (.111 average) in three games since making his big-league debut last Friday.<\/p>\n After taking on the Padres, the Pirates travel to Chicago for a three-game weekend series against the Cubs, aiming to keep their momentum alive.<\/p>\n Right-hander Luis Gil is set to make his season debut for the Yankees on Saturday when they play the Rays in St. Petersburg. The 2024 AL Rookie of the Year began the season at Triple-A Wilkes-Barre\/Scranton. The Yankees did not need a fifth starter until this weekend.<\/p>\n After winning 15 games in his rookie year, Gil was limited to 11 starts last season, posting a 4-1 record and 3.32 ERA.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\nWorld Series redux<\/h2>\n
Return of The Trop<\/h2>\n
Jose Ramirez nears record<\/h2>\n
Pirates try to stay hot<\/h2>\n
Luis Gil set for 2026 debut<\/h2>\n