MLB Schedule 2015: League Announces Full Regular-Season Slate
MLB fans might still be eagerly anticipating October to start, but the 2015 schedule has already been announced ahead of this year's postseason.
The MLB's official Twitter account passed along a link to next year's regular-season slate:
Several interesting matchups await from the start of the season, including myriad divisional games. The Los Angeles Angels will start the season against the Seattle Mariners, for example, to start what could be a long battle between the two clubs for the AL West crown.
The Texas Rangers and Oakland Athletics will also battle with both holding hopes of making a postseason run next year. But the games aren't just limited to the exciting West on Opening Day. Here's a look at the full schedule for the season openers:
| Monday, April 6, 2015 | Angels | Mariners | TBD |
| Monday, April 6, 2015 | Braves | Marlins | TBD |
| Monday, April 6, 2015 | Orioles | Rays | TBD |
| Monday, April 6, 2015 | White Sox | Royals | TBD |
| Monday, April 6, 2015 | Indians | Astros | TBD |
| Monday, April 6, 2015 | Twins | Tigers | TBD |
| Monday, April 6, 2015 | Mets | Nationals | TBD |
| Monday, April 6, 2015 | Pirates | Reds | TBD |
| Monday, April 6, 2015 | Padres | Dodgers | TBD |
| Monday, April 6, 2015 | Giants | D-backs | TBD |
| Monday, April 6, 2015 | Cardinals | Cubs | TBD |
| Monday, April 6, 2015 | Rangers | Athletics | TBD |
| Monday, April 6, 2015 | Blue Jays | Yankees | TBD |
| Monday, April 6, 2015 | Rockies | Brewers | 2:10pm |
| Monday, April 6, 2015 | Red Sox | Phillies | 3:05pm |
Along with a full slate of crucial series to start the season, the end of the year will also be significant. With several compelling division battles down the stretch next season, fans can be sure that some of the hottest playoff races will come down to the last series.
MLB provides the numbers behind the final date on the 2015 regular season:
This could have an impact on the postseason slate as well.
According to MLB.com, this year's World Series can begin no earlier than Oct. 21. While the last three World Series matchups haven't bled over into November, there's a chance the final game could be pushed past October, per Jayson Stark of ESPN:
Tom Hart of ESPN wonders about the timing of the release for next year's schedule with the 2014 playoffs just around the corner:
As this year's MLB season winds down, several franchises are holding out hopes of a late postseason run, which no doubt has their fans excited about the present. But with the schedule released now, it gives fans other teams something to look forward to for the time being.
Teams like the Houston Astros and Chicago Cubs are clearly out of the running this year, but have young talent to get excited about with an eye toward the future. Then there are traditional powers like the Boston Red Sox and Rangers hoping to bounce back from disappointing campaigns.
When the 2015 season finally does arrive, it will be a brand-new opportunity for every franchise to rise, regardless of past success.
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