New details have emerged about ESPN’s Opening Day broadcast of the White Sox and Astros.
According to a release from ESPN, seven-time Cy Young Award winner Roger Clemens is set to join the national telecast as a guest analyst. The former Astros pitcher will be joining play-by-play man Karl Ravech, analyst Eduardo Perez, and reporter Buster Olney to call the game. Coverage is set to begin a week from today on Thursday, March 30 at 6 p.m. CT.
“We’ve enjoyed working with Roger during his impressive KayRod Cast appearances and can’t wait for him to join our Opening Night broadcast team as special guest game analyst,” said Mark Gross, ESPN senior vice president of production and remote events. “The insights Roger has gained from his storied career, including his ties to Houston, will help inform the audience as the Astros begin their title defense and the sport begins a new era of gameplay.”
Granted, this isn’t the most exciting news for Sox fans, especially since the season opener will also mark the Astros’ first game since winning the 2022 World Series. Yes, a banner-raising ceremony and other pregame festivities are scheduled to take place before first pitch and air within the telecast.
For the White Sox, new manager Pedro Grifol will also have much more of a spotlight on his debut. The four-game series will undoubtedly serve as a challenge, especially given the club’s recent struggles when playing in Houston. Over the past three seasons, the Sox have faced the Astros 18 times both at home and on the road, owning a rather forgettable 6-12 record. We’ll see if this season can mark a fresh start for the team.
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