It may not feel like spring yet in New York, but baseball is back, and the Yankees are ready to open the season at Yankee Stadium on Thursday afternoon.
Recalling their 1996 Home Opener, when snow flurries fell as Andy Pettitte took the mound, the five-time World Series champion will return to throw out the ceremonial first pitch ahead of Thursday’s game.
The Yankees are coming off a disappointing 2023 season in which they missed the playoffs, despite high expectations. After making major offseason moves, the team is looking to bounce back and reassert itself as a championship contender.
The most notable offseason acquisition is superstar outfielder Juan Soto, who came over in a blockbuster trade from the San Diego Padres and is expected to bat second and play right field in the opener.
However, the Yankees are starting the year without ace Gerrit Cole, who is dealing with an elbow injury and will miss at least the first couple of months of the season. Slugger Giancarlo Stanton is expected to be in the lineup after an injury-riddled 2023 but remains a question mark for the long haul.
- Opponent: Milwaukee Brewers
- Ceremonial First Pitch: Andy Pettitte
- Pregame Ceremonies: Begin at 2:30 p.m. ET
- First Pitch: Scheduled for 3:05 p.m. ET
- Location: Yankee Stadium
The Yankees have a strong track record on Opening Day, winning six of their last seven season openers since 2018.
As the season begins, the Bronx Bombers are banking on their new core, anchored by Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, to lead them back to the postseason and contend for a title.
