Marlins, Pirates set for season-opening pitching matchup

The baseball season opens on Thursday with an exciting matchup between the Miami Marlins and the Pittsburgh Pirates in Miami. The Pirates will start Paul Skenes, the 2024 National League Rookie of the Year. The Marlins will counter with Sandy Alcantara, the 2022 NL Cy Young Award winner, who has been out since September due to surgery. This game is unique. It is only the second time in Opening Day history that a reigning Rookie of the Year faces a past Cy Young winner. The only other occurrence was in 1970. Both teams finished last in their divisions last season and are looking for improvements this year. Clayton McCullough is the new manager for the Marlins. He faces challenges, including injuries to key players. Third baseman Connor Norby is out for about four weeks with an oblique strain. Jesus Sanchez, who contributed significantly to last season's runs, is also sidelined. On the Pirates' side, manager Derek Shelton is in his sixth season. The Pirates have not had a winning record or finished above fourth place in their division during his tenure. They aim to build success around their pitching, led by Skenes and other starters like Mitch Keller and Andrew Heaney. Both teams hope this season brings changes. Skenes is determined to help the Pirates reach the playoffs for the first time since 2015, saying, "We owe it to the city." Alcantara will need to return to form for the Marlins if they wish to compete this year.