Spring training is right around the corner despite initial concerns that the pandemic might delay the start of the baseball season. There was an abbreviated season in 2020 but the upcoming season is set to return just a few short months after the conclusion of the World Series.

For most teams, pitchers and catchers are scheduled to have their first workout on Feb. 17 or Feb. 18. Pitchers and catchers report for the Minnesota Twins and New York Mets on Feb. 19.

All 30 teams are scheduled to have their first full-squad workout on either Feb. 22 or Feb. 23. The first spring training games start on Feb. 27.

The Atlanta Braves and Baltimore Orioles are scheduled to kick off the slate with a matchup at 1 p.m. ET on the first day of spring training games. The Cleveland Indians, Cincinnati Reds, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, Texas Rangers and Kansas City Royals are all scheduled for their first action at 3:05 p.m. ET.

The start times of several games on spring training’s opening day are to be determined.

There will be some exhibition games played at Major League ballparks from March 28-30. Opening Day of the regular season is set for Thursday, April 1

Following last season’s shortened 60-game season, MLB is planning for each team to play a full 162-game slate in 2021. The league will have COVID-19 health protocols for the second straight year, and several key changes that were made will continue into the upcoming season.

Seven-inning doubleheaders are back. The same goes for each team starting extra innings with a runner on second base.

Max Muncy of the Los Angeles Dodgers hits a solo home run in a 4-2 win over the Tampa Bay Rays in game five of baseball's World Series
Max Muncy of the Los Angeles Dodgers hits a solo home run in a 4-2 win over the Tampa Bay Rays in game five of baseball's World Series GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Sean M. Haffey
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