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Thursday was MLB’s Opening Day for a majority of teams.
With 14 games being played — and with most being played around the same time — it’s likely you missed a thing or two while trying to keep up with all the action across the league. We’ve got you covered for all of that.
Here’s a roundup of the biggest moments from yesterday just in case you missed out:
Austin Wells’ Lead-Off Homer
Eyebrows were collectively raised across the MLB world when the Yankees announced that catcher Austin Wells would be the team’s primary leadoff hitter. He didn’t wait long to silence any doubters. New York and Milwaukee was the first game on the slate Thursday, and Wells mashed a leadoff home run in the bottom of the first inning to give his team an early lead. The Yankees new-look lineup only needed three more runs to secure the win as Carlos Rodon pitched a fantastic game — 5.1 IP, 1 ER, 7 SO. With Juan Soto gone, Gleyber Torres leaving for Detroit, and Giancarlo Stanton out indefinitely, the Yankees will need their offense around Aaron Judge to produce. Wells opening the season with a bang was a great way to start.
Tyler O’Neill Does It Again
In what has become an Opening Day staple, Tyler O’Neill homered again. It’s the sixth consecutive Opening Day HR for O’Neill. This time, he did it in his home country of Canada at the expense of the Toronto Blue Jays. O’Neill signed with the Orioles in the offseason as the team hopes he can replace the production they lost from losing Anthony Santander to the Blue Jays. O’Neill has plenty of pop coming off a season with 31 HR for the Red Sox. He finished Thursday going 3-for-3 with HR and a pair of walks. Catcher Adley Rutschman added three hits of his own, including two HRs as the Orioles cruised to a 12-2 win.
Mackenzie Gore’s Dominant Outing
Former top prospect Mackenzie Gore has disappointed since being called up in 2022. He joined Washington in the trade that sent Juan Soto to San Diego, and is coming off a middling 2024 where he posted a 3.90 ERA and 1.419 WHIP. Named Washington’s Opening Day starter versus the Phillies, Gore showcased an arsenal that had so many baseball fans excited about his potential. Gore mowed down one of the most star-studded lineups in the league — 6.0 IP, 0 ER, 1 H, 0 BB, 13 SO. The Phillies could hardly touch him, as Gore induced a league-leading 20 whiffs on the day. Unfortunately, the Nationals ultimately lost in extra innings as the bullpen surrendered seven runs.
Mets Offense Sputters in Soto’s Debut
All eyes were on the Mets and their new star Juan Soto as they took on a perennial AL contender in the Houston Astros. The Mets were held scoreless through eight as Houston ace Framber Valdez had his way with New York’s lineup. A sacrifice fly from Francisco Lindor set up a potential game-wining opportunity for Soto in his first game. With a full count, Houston closer Josh Hader got Soto to chase a slider outside of the zone to end the game. A disappointing start to Soto’s Mets career.
Nolan Arenado Takes A Curtain Call
After an offseason of trade rumors and speculation, Nolan Arenado remains a member of the St. Louis Cardinals. It was reported that Arenado even turned down a potential trade to Houston at one point. It was an emotionally taxing offseason for the 33-year-old veteran, and he let that all out with a big swing in the eight inning of the Cardinals’ Opening Day matchup. Facing off against Twins reliever Griffin Jax, Arenado mashed a HR to left field to pad St. Louis’ lead. The home crowd showered Arenado with love, and the eight-time All-Star obliged their gesture by popping out of the dugout and tipping his helmet. Arenado is coming off a down year, but perhaps this is the spark he needed to ignite another MVP campaign.
AL and NL Contenders Don’t Disappoint
Of course, the Dodgers and Yankees represent the top of their respective leagues, but we had two potential Champion Series previews on Thursday that didn’t feature either of those teams. The revamped Red Sox traveled to Arlington to take on the 2023 World Series champion Rangers, while the always exciting Padres hosted the 2022 World Series winner Atlanta Braves.
We’ll be keeping a close eye on all four of these contenders as the season progresses.
Snell Beats Skubal, Ohtani Homers as Dodgers Start 3-0
Two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell got the better of 2024 AL Cy Young recipient Tarik Skubal in an exciting inter-league matchup. Making his debut for the Dodgers, Snell earned the win with a solid outing — 5.0 IP, 5 H, 2 ER. Skubal allowed two homers, including a three-run blast to Teoscar Hernandez in the fifth inning. Mookie Betts made his season debut after not playing in Japan, going 1-for-3 with a run scored. Reigning NL MVP Shohei Ohtani seventh inning home run (his second of the season) ultimately decided the game as the Dodgers squeaked out a 5-4 win. Friday’s matchup will feature another elite pitching battle when LA sends out Yoshinobu Yamamoto to face off against former Dodger Jack Flaherty.
