Sports Nationals star Juan Soto heads to the Padres in a blockbuster deal The MLB has also banned the infield 'shifts' in which infielders would pack one side of the bases against a batter who favored that side. The bases will be 44% larger, which league officials say will reduce collisions and encourage steals. Last fall, league officials announced a handful of rule changes designed to shorten games and prevent injuries. Not sure what to watch for? Here's a quick guide to four storylines as you head to the ballpark this spring: Three major rule changes are designed to speed up the game Major League Baseball's 2023 season begins Thursday with quicker games, bigger bases and many of the game's biggest stars back in action after momentous 2022 seasons (the Yankees' Aaron Judge), exciting World Baseball Classic appearances (the Angels' Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout) and lengthy PED suspensions (the Padres' Fernando Tatís Jr., as of mid-April). Put on your ballcap, get out your mitt and grab some Cracker Jack: It's opening day! of the Padres - as the 2023 MLB season unfolds.Įlsa Masterpress Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images
The spotlight will be on three of baseball's biggest stars - Aaron Judge of the Yankees, Shohei Ohtani of the Angels and Fernando Tatís Jr.
