Opening day in Major League Baseball has arrived, and excitement is palpable as the Cleveland Guardians take on the Kansas City Royals for their season opener on Thursday, March 27, 2025. The game is set to kick off at 4:10 p.m. ET at Kauffman Stadium, where fans are eager to see how this season unfolds.
Manager Stephen Vogt’s Guardians, fresh off a successful 2024 campaign where they clinched the AL Central Division by 6 1/2 games over the Royals and Tigers, are looking to build on last year’s momentum. The stakes are high as all three teams reached the playoffs last season, making this matchup particularly exciting.
However, not everything has gone according to plan for the Guardians. Right-hander Tanner Bibee, who was initially slated to start the game, has been a late scratch due to illness. In his place, Ben Lively will take the mound. Lively, who ended the previous season with a 13-10 record and a 3.81 ERA, will face off against the Royals' Cole Ragans, who posted an 11-9 record with a 3.14 ERA last year.
Fans tuning in to watch the game have had a rocky start. Many expressed frustration on social media as the MLB TV streaming app faced technical issues, leaving viewers unable to watch the highly anticipated opening day game. "Is MLB TV broken for everyone or is it just me that can't watch my Guardians on opening day?" tweeted Myles Simmons, capturing the sentiment of many fans. Fortunately, the streaming issues have since been resolved, allowing fans to enjoy the game.
For those still seeking to catch the action, the game can be viewed on various platforms, including AT&T U-verse (Channel 736 or 1736), COX (Channel 80), DIRECTV Satellite and Streaming (Channel 662), FuboTV, and Spectrum (Channel 306 or 1306). Additionally, the game is available on radio via WTAM 1100 AM, WMMS 100.7 FM, and the Guardians Radio Network.
As the Guardians prepare to face the Royals, the starting lineups have been announced. For the Guardians, the lineup features:
- LF Steven Kwan
- 3B José Ramírez
- CF Lane Thomas
- 1B Carlos Santana
- DH Kyle Manzardo
- RF Jhonkensy Noel
- C Bo Naylor
- 2B Gabriel Arias
- SS Brayan Rocchio
On the Royals' side, the lineup includes:
- 3B Jonathan India
- SS Bobby Witt Jr.
- DH Vinnie Pasquantino
- C Salvador Perez
- 2B Michael Massey
- RF Hunter Renfroe
- LF MJ Melendez
- 1B Cavan Biggio
- CF Kyle Isbel
As the game progresses, both teams are looking to set the tone for the season. The Royals, who won eight of the 13 meetings between the two clubs last year, will be looking to continue their success against the Guardians. With the stakes high and the atmosphere electric, fans are in for a thrilling matchup.
In addition to the excitement surrounding the season opener, the Guardians have also announced their TV distribution deals for the year, ensuring that fans will have plenty of opportunities to catch their favorite team in action. Five games will be featured on FOX 8 later this season, including key matchups against the Tigers and Royals.
As the Guardians embark on their 2025 journey, all eyes will be on how they perform against their AL Central rivals. With a strong roster and a determined manager at the helm, this season promises to be one filled with potential and excitement.
Whether you're cheering from home or at the stadium, the Guardians' opener against the Royals is just the beginning of what fans hope will be a memorable season. Stay tuned as the game unfolds and the Guardians aim to kick off the year with a victory.
