The 2024 MLB season will get underway on Wednesday with the Seoul Series -- the first regular-season MLB games played in South Korea.
The Seoul Series will feature a two-game set between the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres. All eyes will be on Shohei Ohtani as he makes his official Dodgers debut against Manny Machado and the Padres. Here's everything you need to know:
How can I watch the Seoul Series?
Both games will be broadcast on ESPN. The ESPN telecasts will be subject to local blackout restrictions in the Los Angeles and San Diego markets.
Here is the series schedule:
Wednesday
Dodgers vs. Padres, 6 a.m. ET (coverage begins at 5:30 a.m. ET)
Thursday
Dodgers vs. Padres, 6 a.m. ET (coverage begins at 5:30 a.m. ET)
Both games will have Spanish broadcasts that begin at 6 a.m. ET on ESPN Deportes.
Who will be pitching?
While there's a lot of excitement about Ohtani's debut after he signed a record 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers this offseason, he won't be on the mound. Ohtani will not pitch in 2024 -- his role will primarily be as a designated hitter, though there's a chance he could play the field this season -- as he recovers from elbow surgery he underwent last September.
Los Angeles also added Tyler Glasnow and Yoshinobu Yamamoto this winter, and both are expected to start during the Seoul Series. Glasnow will start Wednesday's game against Yu Darvish of the Padres. Yamamoto will face Joe Musgrove in Thursday's contest. The Dodgers acquired Glasnow in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays and signed Japanese star Yamamoto to a 12-year, $325 million deal in December. The Dodgers spent more than $1 billion to add Ohtani, Glasnow and Yamamoto this offseason.
Will the Seoul Series impact my fantasy baseball strategy?
These games will count in the MLB standings. Check out this handy FAQ for fantasy baseball tips for the Seoul Series.
What other international games are on the 2024 MLB schedule?
In addition to the Seoul Series, ESPN will air:
• Mexico City Series between the Houston Astros and Colorado Rockies on April 28 at 4 p.m. ET.
• London Series between the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets on June 9 at 10 a.m. ET.
Where can I find more MLB coverage from ESPN?
Check out ESPN's MLB page, which features breaking news, in-depth analysis, features, offseason grades, fantasy baseball advice, prospect rankings and more!