MLB releases 2013 schedule
The Houston Astros' move to the American League will create a 2013 baseball season that includes at least one Interleague game every day, and 19 divisional games for all teams, Major League Baseball announced Wednesday.
The league released its tentative 2013 master schedule, which includes the Astros' shift to the AL West. The World Baseball Classic is also scheduled to return during Spring Training.
The ESPN "Sunday Night Baseball" opener is March 31, with teams to be determined, then 12 Opening Day games scheduled for April 1. The Cincinnati Reds, who traditionally begin the season, will open against the Los Angeles Angels.
The regular season ends on Sun. Sept. 29, after two straight years of concluding on a Wednesday, to allow for more flexibility in postseason scheduling.
With Houston set to play its 51st season in the AL, there will be 15 teams in each league, with five teams in each of the six divisions. Houston begins its home season against interstate rival and new division rival Texas on April 2-4.
Teams will play divisional opponents 19 times, six or seven games against non-divisional league opponents, and 20 Interleague games throughout the season, spread out over eight series.
Some reunions will occur this season. Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen will return to Chicago to face the White Sox on May 24. Former Yankees star Don Mattingly will bring his Los Angeles Dodgers to Yankee Stadium on June 18-19.
