After a long, long winter, the Washington Nationals' home opener against the New York Mets is finally here.
The first pitch is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. Monday.
The Nats will battle the Mets twice more this week, Wednesday at 7:05 p.m. and Thursday at 1:05 p.m. Tickets are still available for those games.
Opening Day is expected to be a big event with a heavy military presence, courtesy of the United States Coast Guard, United States Army, United States Navy, United States Marine Corps, and the United States Air Force. The first 25,000 fans to enter the ballpark will receive an Opening Day Commemorative Collectors Tin in honor of the team’s 10th anniversary.
However, due to new safety enhancements, the team is encouraging fans to get to the park. Major League Baseball mandated the use of metal detectors at all stadiums, which may slow down entrance into the park.
Everyday players Jayson Werth, Anthony Rendon, Denard Span, fourth outfielder Nate McLouth and eighth-inning setup man Casey Janssen are among six players put on the 15-day disabled list by the Washington Nationals.
Right-hander Erik Davis also heads to the DL. All of the moves announced Sunday by the Nationals are retroactive to March 27.
Commissioner Rob Manfred also intends to announce Monday that Washington's Nationals Park will host the 2018 All-Star Game, a person familiar with Major League Baseball's plans told The Associated Press.
