The 2023 Major League Baseball (MLB) season is underway and it promises to be an exciting one, thanks to the league’s new rules aimed at making the game faster and more appealing to fans. These changes have divided fans, but they could potentially boost viewership and attendance. All 30 teams began their season on March 30, with 12 teams making it to the playoffs.
Opening Day schedule and ways to watch
One of the highlights of the MLB season is Opening Day, where fans get a chance to see their favorite teams compete in front of them. The schedule for Opening Day includes games between various teams, with different broadcast networks carrying the games. The best way to experience Opening Day is by attending a game in person, but there are other ways to watch.
Some streaming services such as MLB.TV, Fubo TV, Peacock, Hulu with Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, and DirecTV Stream offer options to watch games online. Fans can choose their preferred team or subscribe to a specific streaming service that covers most MLB games.
New rule changes for faster game
One of the most talked-about changes this season is the pitch timer which has been introduced. Now all pitchers will have to deliver their pitch within 20 seconds; otherwise,a ball will be called. Also, pitchers are limited to a certain number of pickoff attempts before they must deliver the pitch.
To address an issue widely criticized by some fans,the shift restrictions were introduced. Teams can no longer shift three infielders on one side of second base at any point during an at-bat. Additionally,Larger bases have been installed which are said would help prevent injuries on close plays by giving players more room on which to land when sliding.
Importance of 2023 season for the Los Angeles Angels
The Los Angeles Angels haven’t made the postseason since 2014, which makes the 2023 season very important for this franchise. Shohei Ohtani is a free agent after the season and wants to win, and Angels management needs to be aggressive with their roster to help him achieve that goal.
Certain players who made the Opening Day roster should have short leashes in 2023. LA Angels SP Tucker Davidson shouldn’t have an extended leash if he struggles early on. Davidson impressed with his command, but he doesn’t have the same MLB resume that Griffin Canning has.
The Angels cannot mess around with their starting rotation if they hope to make a splash this season. Ohtani’s performance in his first start of the season was encouraging for the Angels’ faithful, but still ended up losing a close game.
Shohei Ohtani’s season debut and impressive display
Shohei Ohtani’s season debut with the Los Angeles Angels was something to behold. Despite using a Pitchcom machine to call his own pitches, it failed him in the first inning, requiring him to improvise alongside rookie catcher O’Hoppe. However, he bounced back magnificently over his next five innings and showcased his pitching skills.
Ohtani struck out ten batters over six scoreless innings in his season debut. But after he exited the game,Oakland Athletics rallied against the Angels’ bullpen, with Aledmys Díaz hitting a tiebreaking single in the eighth inning for a 2-1 win.
Angels outfielder Hunter Renfroe made an incredible no-look catch for opening day highlight reels, and Ohtani celebrated jubilantly from the mound. O’Hoppe became the youngest catcher to start opening day in Angels franchise history and also became the first rookie catcher to start opening day for them since 2000.
The LA Angels’ franchise record losing streak on opening day has now extended to six straight, but the future looks promising for their ace pitcher and the rest of the team.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
