Trending Now - MLB Unveils 2026 Opening Day Pitching Duels and Highlights
WHO:
Cade Cavalli, right-hander for the Washington Nationals
Matthew Boyd, left-hander for the Chicago Cubs
Paul Skenes, right-hander for the Pittsburgh Pirates
Freddy Peralta, left-hander for the New York Mets
Zac Gallen, right-hander for the Arizona Diamondbacks
Yoshinobu Yamamoto, right-hander for the Los Angeles Dodgers
Cole Ragans, left-hander for the Kansas City Royals
Chris Sale, left-hander for the Atlanta Braves
Joe Ryan, right-hander for the Minnesota Twins
Trevor Rogers, left-hander for the Baltimore Orioles
Liam Hendriks, right-hander, released by the Minnesota Twins
Kyle Stowers, outfielder, traded from Miami to Baltimore
Connor Norby, infielder, traded from Miami to Baltimore
Craig Albernaz, manager of the Baltimore Orioles
Samuel Basallo, catcher and top prospect for the Baltimore Orioles
Cade Cavalli, right-hander for the Washington Nationals
Matthew Boyd, left-hander for the Chicago Cubs
Paul Skenes, right-hander for the Pittsburgh Pirates
Freddy Peralta, left-hander for the New York Mets
Zac Gallen, right-hander for the Arizona Diamondbacks
Yoshinobu Yamamoto, right-hander for the Los Angeles Dodgers
Cole Ragans, left-hander for the Kansas City Royals
Chris Sale, left-hander for the Atlanta Braves
Joe Ryan, right-hander for the Minnesota Twins
Trevor Rogers, left-hander for the Baltimore Orioles
Liam Hendriks, right-hander, released by the Minnesota Twins
Kyle Stowers, outfielder, traded from Miami to Baltimore
Connor Norby, infielder, traded from Miami to Baltimore
Craig Albernaz, manager of the Baltimore Orioles
Samuel Basallo, catcher and top prospect for the Baltimore Orioles
Cade Cavalli, right-hander for the Washington Nationals
Matthew Boyd, left-hander for the Chicago Cubs
Paul Skenes, right-hander for the Pittsburgh Pirates
Freddy Peralta, right-hander for the New York Mets
Zac Gallen, right-hander for the Arizona Diamondbacks
Yoshinobu Yamamoto, right-hander for the Los Angeles Dodgers
Cole Ragans, left-hander for the Kansas City Royals
Chris Sale, left-hander for the Atlanta Braves
Joe Ryan, right-hander for the Minnesota Twins
Trevor Rogers, left-hander for the Baltimore Orioles
Liam Hendriks, right-hander, released by the Minnesota Twins
Kyle Stowers, outfielder, traded from Miami to Baltimore
Connor Norby, infielder, traded from Miami to Baltimore
Craig Albernaz, manager of the Baltimore Orioles
Samuel Basallo, catcher and top prospect for the Baltimore Orioles
WHAT:
The Opening Day game between the Nationals and Cubs is scheduled for March 26, 2026, at 1:20 p.m. CT.
The Opening Day game between the Pirates and Mets is scheduled for March 26, 2026, at 1:15 p.m. ET.
The Opening Day game between the Diamondbacks and Dodgers is scheduled for March 26, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. PT/MT.
The Opening Day game between the Royals and Braves is scheduled for March 27, 2026.
Ryan sustained back inflammation that shelved him for 17 days during spring training.
Hendriks signed a minor league deal with the Twins on February 12, 2026, with an invitation to major league spring training.
Samuel Basallo hit two home runs in a game against the Pirates on March 19, 2026, with exit velocities of 106.3 mph and 110.6 mph.
Basallo is hitting .375 (12-for-32) with a 1.225 OPS through 12 Grapefruit League games.
Cavalli will make his first Opening Day start on March 26, 2026, against the Cubs.
Boyd will start for the Cubs on March 26, 2026, against the Nationals.
Skenes will start for the Pirates on March 26, 2026, against the Mets.
Peralta will start for the Mets on March 26, 2026, against the Pirates.
Gallen will start for the Diamondbacks on March 26, 2026, against the Dodgers.
Yamamoto will start for the Dodgers on March 26, 2026, against the Diamondbacks.
Ragans will start for the Royals on March 27, 2026, against the Braves.
Sale will start for the Braves on March 27, 2026, against the Royals.
Joe Ryan will start for the Twins on Opening Day against the Orioles on March 26, 2026.
Ryan's previous Opening Day start was in 2022.
Ryan had a 2025 season record of 13-10 with a 3.42 ERA in 31 games (30 starts).
Trevor Rogers had a 2025 season record of 9-3 with a 1.81 ERA in 18 starts.
Liam Hendriks was released after failing to secure a spot in the Twins' bullpen.
Hendriks allowed three runs, nine hits, and five walks over seven innings in seven spring training games.
Hendriks had a career total of 116 saves, with a high of 38 saves in 2021.
Samuel Basallo hit two home runs in a game against the Pirates, with exit velocities of 106.3 mph and 110.6 mph.
Basallo is hitting .375 (12-for-32) with a 1.225 OPS through 12 Grapefruit League games.
The Opening Day game between the Nationals and Cubs is scheduled for March 26, 2026, at 1:20 p.m. CT.
The Opening Day game between the Pirates and Mets is scheduled for March 26, 2026, at 1:15 p.m. ET.
The Opening Day game between the Diamondbacks and Dodgers is scheduled for March 26, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. PT/MT.
The Opening Day game between the Royals and Braves is scheduled for March 27, 2026.
Ryan sustained back inflammation that shelved him for 17 days during spring training.
Hendriks signed a minor league deal with the Twins on February 12, 2026, with an invitation to major league spring training.
Samuel Basallo hit two home runs in a game against the Pirates on March 19, 2026, with exit velocities of 106.3 mph and 110.6 mph.
Basallo is hitting .375 (12-for-32) with a 1.225 OPS through 12 Grapefruit League games.
Cavalli will make his first Opening Day start on March 26, 2026, against the Cubs.
Boyd will start for the Cubs on March 26, 2026, against the Nationals.
Skenes will start for the Pirates on March 26, 2026, against the Mets.
Peralta will start for the Mets on March 26, 2026, against the Pirates.
Gallen will start for the Diamondbacks on March 26, 2026, against the Dodgers.
Yamamoto will start for the Dodgers on March 26, 2026, against the Diamondbacks.
Ragans will start for the Royals on March 27, 2026, against the Braves.
Sale will start for the Braves on March 27, 2026, against the Royals.
Joe Ryan will start for the Twins on Opening Day against the Orioles on March 26, 2026.
Ryan's previous Opening Day start was in 2022.
Ryan had a 2025 season record of 13-10 with a 3.42 ERA in 31 games (30 starts).
Trevor Rogers had a 2025 season record of 9-3 with a 1.81 ERA in 18 starts.
Liam Hendriks was released after failing to secure a spot in the Twins' bullpen.
Hendriks allowed three runs, nine hits, and five walks over seven innings in seven spring training games.
Hendriks had a career total of 116 saves, with a high of 38 saves in 2021.
Samuel Basallo hit two home runs in a game against the Pirates, with exit velocities of 106.3 mph and 110.6 mph.
Basallo is hitting .375 (12-for-32) with a 1.225 OPS through 12 Grapefruit League games.
WHERE:
Opening Day game will take place at Camden Yards, Baltimore.
Hendriks was released in Fort Myers, Florida.
Basallo's performance occurred at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, Florida.
Opening Day game will take place at Camden Yards, Baltimore.
Hendriks was released in Fort Myers, Florida.
Basallo's performance occurred at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, Florida.
WHEN:
Hendriks was released on March 20, 2026.
Basallo's game performance occurred on March 19, 2026.
The Opening Day game between the Nationals and Cubs is scheduled for March 26, 2026, at 1:20 p.m. CT.
The Opening Day game between the Pirates and Mets is scheduled for March 26, 2026, at 1:15 p.m. ET.
The Opening Day game between the Diamondbacks and Dodgers is scheduled for March 26, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. PT/MT.
The Opening Day game between the Royals and Braves is scheduled for March 27, 2026.
Opening Day is scheduled for March 26, 2026, at 3:05 p.m. ET.
Hendriks was released on March 20, 2026.
Basallo's game performance occurred on March 19, 2026.
Hendriks was released on March 20, 2026.
Basallo's game performance occurred on March 19, 2026.
The Opening Day game between the Nationals and Cubs is scheduled for March 26, 2026, at 1:20 p.m. CT.
The Opening Day game between the Pirates and Mets is scheduled for March 26, 2026, at 1:15 p.m. ET.
The Opening Day game between the Diamondbacks and Dodgers is scheduled for March 26, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. PT/MT.
The Opening Day game between the Royals and Braves is scheduled for March 27, 2026.
Opening Day is scheduled for March 26, 2026, at 3:05 p.m. ET.
Hendriks was released on March 20, 2026.
Basallo's game performance occurred on March 19, 2026.
WHY:
Cavalli was named the Opening Day starter due to his comeback from injuries.
Boyd earned the Opening Day start after a strong 2025 season, including an All-Star selection.
Skenes was named the Opening Day starter after winning the National League Cy Young Award.
Peralta was acquired by the Mets to strengthen their rotation and was named the Opening Day starter.
Gallen was chosen as the Opening Day starter after a decision to pivot from Merrill Kelly due to injury.
Yamamoto was named the Opening Day starter after a successful 2025 season and postseason performance.
Ragans was selected as the Opening Day starter due to his status as the team's ace.
Sale was named the Opening Day starter after a strong comeback season and previous experience.
Ryan was chosen as the Opening Day starter due to the season-ending injury of Pablo López.
Hendriks was released after not regaining his pre-injury form and following a difficult outing.
Cavalli was named the Opening Day starter due to his comeback from injuries.
Boyd earned the Opening Day start after a strong 2025 season, including an All-Star selection.
Skenes was named the Opening Day starter after winning the National League Cy Young Award.
Peralta was acquired by the Mets to strengthen their rotation and was named the Opening Day starter.
Gallen was chosen as the Opening Day starter after a decision to pivot from Merrill Kelly due to injury.
Yamamoto was named the Opening Day starter after a successful 2025 season and postseason performance.
Ragans was selected as the Opening Day starter due to his status as the team's ace.
Sale was named the Opening Day starter after a strong comeback season and previous experience.
Ryan was chosen as the Opening Day starter due to the season-ending injury of Pablo López.
Hendriks was released after not regaining his pre-injury form and following a difficult outing.
Cavalli was named the Opening Day starter due to his comeback from injuries.
Boyd earned the Opening Day start after a strong 2025 season, including an All-Star selection.
Skenes was named the Opening Day starter after winning the National League Cy Young Award.
Peralta was acquired by the Mets to strengthen their rotation and was named the Opening Day starter.
Gallen was chosen as the Opening Day starter after a decision to pivot from Merrill Kelly due to injury.
Yamamoto was named the Opening Day starter after a successful 2025 season and postseason performance.
Ragans was selected as the Opening Day starter due to his status as the team's ace.
Sale was named the Opening Day starter after a strong comeback season and previous experience.
Ryan was chosen as the Opening Day starter due to the season-ending injury of Pablo López.
Hendriks was released after not regaining his pre-injury form and following a difficult outing.
Cavalli was named the Opening Day starter due to his comeback from injuries.
Boyd earned the Opening Day start after a strong 2025 season, including an All-Star selection.
Skenes was named the Opening Day starter after winning the National League Cy Young Award.
Peralta was acquired by the Mets to strengthen their rotation and was named the Opening Day starter.
Gallen was chosen as the Opening Day starter after a decision to pivot from Merrill Kelly due to injury.
Yamamoto was named the Opening Day starter after a successful 2025 season and postseason performance.
Ragans was selected as the Opening Day starter due to his status as the team's ace.
Sale was named the Opening Day starter after a strong comeback season and previous experience.
Ryan was chosen as the Opening Day starter due to the season-ending injury of Pablo López.
Hendriks was released after not regaining his pre-injury form and following a difficult outing.
HOW:
The Cubs and Nationals will face off at Wrigley Field, a venue the Nationals have not visited for a season opener since 2012.
The Pirates and Mets will meet at Citi Field, with Skenes and Peralta both being top performers in their respective leagues.
The Diamondbacks and Dodgers will play at Dodger Stadium, marking a significant matchup for both teams.
The Royals and Braves will open their seasons at Truist Park, with both teams looking to improve from previous seasons.
The Cubs and Nationals will face off at Wrigley Field, a venue the Nationals have not visited for a season opener since 2012.
The Pirates and Mets will meet at Citi Field, with Skenes and Peralta both being top performers in their respective leagues.
The Diamondbacks and Dodgers will play at Dodger Stadium, marking a significant matchup for both teams.
The Royals and Braves will open their seasons at Truist Park, with both teams looking to improve from previous seasons.
Ryan sustained back inflammation that shelved him for 17 days during spring training.
Hendriks signed a minor league deal with the Twins on February 12, 2026, with an invitation to major league spring training.
The Cubs and Nationals will face off at Wrigley Field, a venue the Nationals have not visited for a season opener since 2012.
The Pirates and Mets will meet at Citi Field, with Skenes and Peralta both being top performers in their respective leagues.
The Diamondbacks and Dodgers will play at Dodger Stadium, marking a significant matchup for both teams.
The Royals and Braves will open their seasons at Truist Park, with both teams looking to improve from previous seasons.
The Cubs and Nationals will face off at Wrigley Field, a venue the Nationals have not visited for a season opener since 2012.
The Pirates and Mets will meet at Citi Field, with Skenes and Peralta both being top performers in their respective leagues.
The Diamondbacks and Dodgers will play at Dodger Stadium, marking a significant matchup for both teams.
The Royals and Braves will open their seasons at Truist Park, with both teams looking to improve from previous seasons.
Ryan sustained back inflammation that shelved him for 17 days during spring training.
Hendriks signed a minor league deal with the Twins on February 12, 2026, with an invitation to major league spring training.
(UPDATED March 21, 2026 05:17 UTC)
In a busy week for Major League Baseball, several teams are gearing up for Opening Day on March 26, with the Nationals facing the Cubs and the Pirates taking on the Mets, both games set to showcase new starters like Cade Cavalli and Paul Skenes. Meanwhile, Samuel Basallo of the Orioles made headlines with a standout performance on March 19, hitting two home runs against the Pirates and boasting a .375 batting average in the Grapefruit League. In roster news, Liam Hendriks was released by the Twins on March 20 after struggling to regain his form, while the Royals and Braves will kick off their seasons on March 27.
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(UPDATED March 21, 2026 01:21 UTC)
As Opening Day approaches, the Washington Nationals will face the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on March 26 at 1:20 p.m. Central Time, while the Pittsburgh Pirates take on the New York Mets at Citi Field at 1:15 p.m. Eastern Time. In other news, Samuel Basallo of the Baltimore Orioles showcased his power by hitting two home runs in a game against the Pirates on March 19, and he is currently batting .375 in the Grapefruit League. Meanwhile, Liam Hendriks was released by the Minnesota Twins on March 20 after struggling to regain his pre-injury form.
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(UPDATED March 20, 2026 23:05 UTC)
In a highly anticipated start to the MLB season, Cade Cavalli will make his first Opening Day start for the Washington Nationals against Matthew Boyd and the Chicago Cubs on March 26, 2026, at Wrigley Field. Meanwhile, Paul Skenes will take the mound for the Pittsburgh Pirates against Freddy Peralta of the New York Mets at Citi Field, and Zac Gallen will start for the Arizona Diamondbacks against Yoshinobu Yamamoto of the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium, all on the same day. The following day, March 27, will see Cole Ragans starting for the Kansas City Royals against Chris Sale of the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park.
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(UPDATED March 20, 2026 21:06 UTC)
In a significant development for the Minnesota Twins, Joe Ryan has been named the Opening Day starter against the Baltimore Orioles on March 26, following the season-ending injury to Pablo López. Meanwhile, Liam Hendriks was released today after struggling to regain his pre-injury form during spring training, while Samuel Basallo showcased his talent with two home runs in a recent game. The Opening Day matchup will take place at Camden Yards in Baltimore, with Ryan looking to build on his 2025 season record of 13 wins and 10 losses.