Five things to watch in MLB this week

The second full week of the Major League Baseball season is set to begin. Here are five things to look for:

World Series redux

You might call it Game 8 when the Los Angeles Dodgers visit the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday night. This game opens a three-game series at Rogers Centre. It is a rematch of last year's thrilling World Series. The Dodgers won that series in seven games, capped with an 11-inning classic.

With their 7-2 record, tied with the Milwaukee Brewers and New York Yankees for the best in the major leagues, the Dodgers certainly look like a team capable of winning a third straight World Series. Meanwhile, the Blue Jays are off to a so-so 4-5 start.

Left-hander Justin Wrobleski will serve as the Dodgers’ opener in the first game, facing Max Scherzer. In the other contests, Yoshinobu Yamamoto squares off against Kevin Gausman, while Shohei Ohtani takes on Dylan Cease.

Return of The Trop

It will be the grand reopening of Tropicana Field on Monday when the Tampa Bay Rays host the Chicago Cubs in their home opener.

The quirky domed stadium was severely damaged in October 2024 when Hurricane David roared through St. Petersburg. Last season, the Rays played their home games at Steinbrenner Field. This is the Yankees’ spring training home in Tampa.

Last season, the Rays played at what was essentially a neutral site and posted a 36-45 home record. As a result, home-field advantage was negligible.

Jose Ramirez nears record

If Jose Ramirez starts at third base Monday night for the Cleveland Guardians, he will set the franchise record for games played. He will reach 1,620 games.

Terry Turner has held the record since 1918, when he played the last of his 15 seasons with Cleveland. Ramirez made his debut in 2013 and has earned seven All-Star Game berths and won six American League Silver Sluggers.

The Guardians begin a three-game series with the Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field. This matchup features Ramirez and Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. — two of baseball’s brightest stars.

Pirates try to stay hot

The Pittsburgh Pirates are 6-3, having won five straight games. They head into Monday night’s opener of a three-game series against the visiting San Diego Padres at PNC Park. Despite 29 losing seasons in the last 33 years, the Pirates now look like one of MLB’s surprise teams.

Reigning National League Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes is scheduled to start on Tuesday night. All eyes are on rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin, who is 1-for-9 (.111 average) in three games since making his big-league debut last Friday.

After taking on the Padres, the Pirates travel to Chicago for a three-game weekend series against the Cubs, aiming to keep their momentum alive.

Luis Gil set for 2026 debut

Right-hander Luis Gil is set to make his season debut for the Yankees on Saturday when they play the Rays in St. Petersburg. The 2024 AL Rookie of the Year began the season at Triple-A Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. The Yankees did not need a fifth starter until this weekend.

After winning 15 games in his rookie year, Gil was limited to 11 starts last season, posting a 4-1 record and 3.32 ERA.