LEADING OFF: Surprising O’s, Tigers, Mets play home openers
A look at what's a happening around the majors today:
FANFARE
Coming off winning road trips, the surprising Orioles, Tigers and Mets play their home openers. Sellouts are expected at Camden Yards, Comerica Park and Citi Field to greet teams trying to bounce back from losing seasons.
Alex Cobb will be activated off the 10-day injured list to start for the 4-2 Orioles against the Yankees. Spencer Turnbull pitches for the 4-3 Tigers vs. Kansas City and, in a matchup of aces, Noah Syndergaard starts for the 5-1 Mets against Stephen Strasburg and Washington.
The Angels also play their home opener. Mike Trout's team is 1-5 going into its game against Texas.
RAIN REIGNS
With bad weather expected, two home openers have been postponed in advance. The San Diego at St. Louis game and the Seattle at Chicago White Sox matchup were pushed back a day until Friday.
WATCHING HIM
Yu Darvish will try to improve over his first start of the season, when he walked a career-high seven while allowing three runs in 2 2/3 innings against the Rangers. The Cubs righty, slowed by injuries last year, starts at Atlanta.
HOBBLING
Yankees shortstop Troy Tulowitzki is likely headed to the injured list with a low-grade strained left calf — that would give New York a major league-most 11 players on the IL a week into the season. Tulowitzki made an early exit Wednesday against Detroit and was tested at a hospital during the game. The 34-year-old has battled back issues in recent years that have severely limited the five-time All-Star.
Luis Severino, Aaron Hicks, Didi Gregorius, Giancarlo Stanton, Miguel Andujar and Dellin Betances are among the Yankees already out of action.
KERSHAW, FOR OPENERS
Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw makes a rehab start for Triple-A Oklahoma City while working back from shoulder inflammation. The lefty is likely to need one more outing in the minors before returning to the majors. Kershaw had started eight straight openers for Los Angeles — this will be opening day across the minor leagues. ... Also, Braves righty Mike Foltynewicz, who's been sidelined by a bone spur in his elbow, will make a rehab start with Triple-A Gwinnett. The 2018 All-Star had been projected to open the season as Atlanta's No. 1 starter.
TEBOW TIME
Former Heisman Trophy winner and NFL quarterback Tim Tebow moves up another level for the Mets, beginning this season with Triple-A Syracuse. The 31-year-old outfielder hit .273 with six homers and 36 RBIs in 84 games at Double-A last season. Tebow and his new team host Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
