Parting Schotts

ESPN to televise Astros' American League debut March 31

Despite posting a Major League Baseball-worst 55-107 record last year, the Houston Astros will be in the spotlight on the opening night of this season.

And that's only because they are changing leagues.

After 51 years in the National League, the Astros will make their American League debut March 31 when they host the Texas Rangers at 8 p.m. March 31 on ESPN's "Sunday Night Baseball."

Usually, the defending World Series champion is featured on opening night. But with the Astros switching leagues, ESPN must believe it's a better storyline.

ESPN will televise two games on opening day April 1, but one game will be blacked out. The Boston Red Sox-New York Yankees contest at 1 p.m. will be televised in the Capital Region by YES, so ESPN will provide alternate programming. At 4 p.m., we will see the defending World Series champion San Francisco Giants visit the Los Angeles Dodgers.

ESPN2 will also have two games April 1. At 7 p.m., the Atlanta Braves host the Philadelphia Phillies. That will be followed by the St. Louis Cardinals at Arizona Diamondbacks at 10 p.m.

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