MLB Spring Training Games: ESPN recently disclosed the schedule for Major League Baseball (MLB) spring training in 2024, which commences on February 22, 2024. ESPN is preparing a spectacular event to commemorate the 35th anniversary of broadcasting MLB games. It is a momentous occasion for baseball broadcasting, and the network is making every effort to make it a memorable one. Baseball and sports broadcasting figures are expected to make special appearances, as well as thrilling activities and entertainment, at the event.
Friday, February 23: A quadruple-game extravaganza!
Chicago White Sox versus Chicago Cubs
On Friday at Sloan Park, the Cubs will commence Cactus League play against the White Sox. The designated time of the game is 2:05 p.m. ET. The White Sox suffered 101 defeats in 2023, following a promising 81-81 campaign in 2022. Many believed the team was capable of contending for victory. Among the relievers scheduled to pitch on Friday are Jesse Chavez and four others. Cubs’ starters may benefit from an every-sixth-day schedule, which would help transition Shota Imanaga from Nippon Professional Baseball to the traditional five-day schedule. The Cubs’ manager, Craig Counsell, concurs that this may be advantageous for the team’s other starters.
Chiefs vs. Royals of Kansas City
The Texas Rangers, the defending World Series champions, are scheduled to play their first game since they hoisted the trophy. On Friday, they will have the Kansas City Royals as their opponent at Surprise Stadium. The Rangers’ batting order will be comparable to that of their World Series champions. The designated hitter, Mitch Garver, suffered the only significant loss. This position is amenable to filling without significant complications. Starting pitchers Max Scherzer, Jacob DeGrom, and Tyler Mahle will be sidelined, presenting a significant obstacle for the team in the first half of the season. Andrew Heaney and Nate Eovaldi will be under pressure to contribute and ensure the team has an opportunity to win.
Astros Stage Comeback in 2023 MLB Playoffs: Scores, Results, and Schedule
San Diego Padres vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres will play the Spring training opener at the Camelback Ranch-Glendale baseball complex in Phoenix, Arizona. On March 20, the identical two teams will commence the regular season in Korea. Experts expect the Dodgers to be the team to beat again this year with their formidable batting order and pitching rotation. Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis are capable of putting up significant batting totals, despite the trade of Juan Soto.
A contest between the Colorado Rockies and the Arizona Diamondbacks
On Friday, two National League West rivals will meet. The Arizona Diamondbacks, who lost in the World Series, will play against the Colorado Rockies. The Rockies have failed to surpass 74 victories in their last five seasons and have finished last in the Western Conference for the past two campaigns. Despite Kris Bryant’s efforts to maintain his health, this season appears to be yet another one of difficulty. Bryant has averaged 61 appearances per season in the past two seasons. Charlie Blackmon, who continues to start at number one, also missed games in 2023. Dakota Hudson, the only noteworthy addition to the Rockies, is a transfer from the St. Louis Cardinals. His ERA was nearly five last season, and his new environment must be effective or it will illuminate him from a mile high.
An intriguing development will be the Diamondbacks’ reaction to their World Series defeat. In spite of that defeat, the team has added Joc Pederson and Eugenio Suarez, as well as veteran Randal Grichuk to their lineup.