Spring training 2024: Who plays today? MLB games on Friday, March 1

The first full week of 2024 Major League Baseball Spring Training has already given us a lot to think about with Shohei Ohtani getting off to a flying start in his debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers. That’s precisely why all eyes will be on the Japanese two-way sensation when they play on Friday night.

Los Angeles Dodgers to host Cleveland Guardians

Friday, March 1st will see just two teams in action with the Cleveland Guardians heading west to take on the now star-studded Los Angeles Dodgers. With record signing, Shohei Ohtani, already off and running after he drove in two runs in the fifth inning with a home run against the Chicago White Sox in the team’s first Game in the Cactus League, it’s clear the Dodgers mean Business. Interestingly, the Game will likely see the second start of pitcher, Tyler Glasnow, who allowed just one run, four hits, and a walk in 1 2/3 innings on Saturday against the Angels. Indeed, Glasnow looks set to start all Games before the Dodgers play their first two Games in South Korea on March 20th and 21st.

“I think in terms of things I’ve been working on, feeling-wise, and metrics they were good. As far as execution, not the best,” Glasnow said after that start. “But I think that’s what spring is for, especially early on, just ironing some things out. But as far as Health and metrics, it was good so I’ll take it.” Glasnow was of course picked up by the Dodgers in a December 2023 trade with the Rays, which also saw Manuel Margot arriving as well. It was a deal that saw him agree to a five-year extension worth $136.5 million.

Where the head-to-head between the teams is concerned, the Dodgers and Guardians have met for a total of 27 times. Of those contests the Dodgers have won 15, while the Guardians have found success on 12 occasions. As things stand, it’s quite probable that the Dodgers are going to add another W to the column. Clearly armed to the teeth with the likes of Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Clayton Kershaw on the roster, it’s going to be tough going for the Guardians and that’s before we address the gorilla in the room that is Shohei Ohtani - though he is on limited minutes. Yet, the Guardians do have weapons of their own such as Emmanuel Clase and José Ramírez. First pitch is set for 8:05 p.m. ET at Camelback Ranch, Phoenix, Arizona.