MLB Opening Day 2012: Red Sox vs. Tigers and More Must-See Thursday Matchups

Major League Baseball is finally back and there are a number of teams getting ready to take the field for the first time in 2012.

There are seven games on the slate starting at 1:00 p.m. EST with Boston vs. Detroit and concluding at 7:05 p.m. with the LA Dodgers taking on San Diego.

Let’s take a look at three highlighted matchups that promise to be excellent.

Boston Red Sox vs. Detroit Tigers (1:00 p.m. EST)

The BoSox are hoping to start their 2012 season much better than the way their 2011 campaign ended.

It won’t be easy as they have to face Justin Verlander, the reigning AL Cy Young Winner and MVP.

Detroit will be looking to pick up the first win of the season and start on a path that could lead to another AL Central Championship.

Atlanta Braves vs. New York Mets (1:10 p.m. EST)

These NL East Rivals have both struggled in recent years and are both trying to start the new season on the right foot.

We will see Johan Santana, who missed all of 2011 with injury, take the mound against Tommy Hanson – the up and coming Braves ace.

Washington Nationals vs. Chicago Cubs  (2:20 p.m. EST)

Theo Epstein has taken over the reigns in Chicago and is hoping to begin a winning era with the Cubbies.

That will be tough to do with Stephen Strasburg and the Nationals coming to town.

Expect a tough battle in Wrigley between two clubs with plenty to prove.