Major League Baseball on ESPN – The 2023 Major League Baseball season begins on ESPN this Friday March 31, with a huge opening week schedule showcasing league heavyweights – the defending champion Houston Astros, National League champion Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees, Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres and Chicago White Sox.
Major League Baseball will see plenty of change in 2023 with new rules introduced with the aim of bringing baseball fans faster games, plus more action and excitement.
The introduction of a Pitch Clock, restrictions on defensive shifts and limits on pickoff throws is hoped to see more hits, more stolen bases and a slicker, more attacking style of Major League Baseball.
Opening Day on Friday March 31 sees two LIVE games on ESPN2 as the new MLB season gets underway.
Early risers will be able to see the New York Yankees welcome the San Francisco Giants to Yankee Stadium, live from 4am AEDT on ESPN2.
All eyes will be on Yankees slugger Aaron Judge, who will look to build on his historic season last campaign that saw him break the home run scoring record for the American League.
Following LIVE at 10am AEST, also on ESPN2, the defending MLB champion Houston Astros begin the defense of their crown and the continuation of their dynasty, with an early test against the Chicago White Sox.
2020 MVP Jose Abreu provides some added spice to this opening day showdown, with Abreu now an Astro – his first game for Houston has him meeting his former club.
Monday April 3 sees a first look at the reigning National League winners Philadelphia as they hope to go one better than their World Series defeat last season.
The Phillies will be on the road against the Texas Rangers, beginning LIVE at 9am AEST on ESPN2.
Tuesday April 4 brings the St Louis Cardinals clash with the Atlanta Braves LIVE at 9.30am AEST on ESPN2.
Atlanta claimed the World Series in 2021 and looked to be set for another run at the crown last year after winning the division and over 100 games.
But the Braves were routed in four games by the Phillies in the Division Series, emphatically ending their season.
The National League race will be an intriguing story in MLB23, as the Braves and Phillies are again expected to mount a chase.
Wednesday April 5 will bring an early showdown in that regard as the New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies go head-to-head at 9am AEST, live on ESPN2.
2023’s opening week is set to be action packed, as sides look to make a statement early in the new year.
MLB StrikeZone is also available on the ESPN App*, bringing baseball fans all the action from around the league Thursday and Saturday AEST through the season.
Quick Pitch also makes its return to ESPN this Major League Baseball season.
Airing at 11pm AEST each evening, Quick Pitch will recap the day of baseball across the league.
MLB Opening Week on ESPN
Friday March 31
4am AEDT, New York Yankees vs San Francisco Giants, ESPN2
10am AEDT, Houston Astros vs Chicago White Sox, ESPN2
Monday April 3
9am AEST, Texas Rangers vs Philadelphia Phillies, ESPN2
Tuesday April 4
9.30am AEST, St Louis Cardinals vs Atlanta Braves, ESPN2
Wednesday April 5
9am AEST, New York Yankees vs Philadelphia Phillies, ESPN2
Thursday April 6
9am AEST, Kansas City Royals vs Toronto Blue Jays, ESPN2
Friday April 7
9am AEST, Atlanta Braves vs San Diego Padres, ESPN2
Saturday April 8
10am AEST, MLB StrikeZone, ESPN and ESPN App*
Monday April 10
10am AEST, Atlanta Braves vs San Diego Padres, ESPN
ESPN and ESPN2 are available on Foxtel, Kayo Sports, Fetch TV and SKY NZ.
*Streaming functionality on the ESPN App and ESPN.com.au is available to ESPN channel subscribers via Foxtel, Fetch TV and SKY NZ who enter their platform credentials. (Note: Kayo subscribers cannot stream via the ESPN App or ESPN.com.au). Download the ESPN App from the Apple and Android app stores.
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Media Release – ESPN
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