For some, spring starts when the groundhog says so. For baseball fans, it begins on Opening Day.
The sun shining on fresh grass (or turf) as players return to the diamond signals the true start of spring, leaving winter behind.
Players and fans enjoyed a sample of the 2024 MLB season when the Dodgers faced the Padres in Seoul, South Korea on March 20 and 21.
The Dodgers enter the 2024 MLB season as favorites to win the World Series after signing Shohei Ohtani to a record contract, per BetMGM. Los Angeles also added pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto to roster that already has Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman.
The Texas Rangers are the defending World Series champions and enter their first title defense season in franchise history.
MORE: Watch MLB Opening Day games live with Fubo (free trial)
While the season technically kicked off in South Korea on March 20, Opening Day has yet to come. Here's when that is, and more to know about the beginning of the MLB season.
When is MLB Opening Day 2024?
- Date: Thursday, March 28
Opening Day is scheduled for Thursday, March 28. All 30 teams were set to play, though rain in the forecast prevented that from happening. The New York Mets and Milwaukee Brewers were supposed to kick off the day, but will instead play Friday after their Opening Day contest was postponed. The same thing will happen to the Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves. Both teams will play Friday due to a poor weather forecast Thursday.
With those teams out of commission, the Angels and Orioles could kick off Thursday's action at 3:05 p.m. ET.Bet MLB Opening Day games with Bet365 Thursday wraps up with two games slated for a 10:10 p.m. ET start. The Boston Red Sox will play the Seattle Mariners, and the Colorado Rockies will play the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The Rangers will host the Chicago Cubs at 7:35 p.m. ET on ESPN. MLB Network will air various games throughout the day. The network will broadcast the full Dodgers-Cardinals game, which begins at 4:10 p.m. ET.
MLB Opening Day schedule
With the two postponements, 26 teams will play Thursday, March 28 as the MLB season kicks off.
Here's a look at Thursday's schedule.
(All times Eastern)
| Game | Time (ET) |
| Angels at Orioles | 3:05 p.m. |
| Nationals at Reds | 4:10 p.m. |
| Giants at Padres | 4:10 p.m. |
| Cardinals at Dodgers | 4:10 p.m. |
| Blue Jays at Rays | 4:10 p.m. |
| Twins at Royals | 4:10 p.m. |
| Tigers at White Sox | 4:10 p.m. |
| Pirates at Marlins | 4:10 p.m. |
| Yankees at Astros | 4:10 p.m. |
| Cubs at Rangers (ESPN) | 7:35 p.m. |
| Guardians at Athletics | 10:07 p.m. |
| Rockies at Diamondbacks | 10:10 p.m. |
| Red Sox at Mariners | 10:10 p.m. |
Following Thursday's postponements, the Brewers and Mets will begin their seasons Friday, March 29 at 1:40 p.m. ET. The Phillies and Braves will play at 3:05 p.m. ET on Friday.
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