Blue Jays home opener preview: What you need to know before first pitch

The highly anticipated return of the Toronto Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre is finally here, months after the organization committed to a significant renovation that is sure to intrigue the thousands of fans that make their way to the stadium on Tuesday.

The Blue Jays unveiled yet another glimpse into the newly upgraded Rogers Centre last week, with a particular focus on the new “outfield district” at the ballpark containing five distinct neighbourhoods and many new social spaces.

“We need to be able to provide for different fans who want to watch the game in different ways,” says team president Mark Shapiro, speaking to Breakfast Television. “As people come in this year, they’re going to see neighbourhoods that are reminiscent of the best patio’s in Toronto.”

Other significant changes include higher walls in left and right field. The visitors’ bullpen in right field will be elevated, similar to the Blue Jays’ home bullpen, with deck areas in the stands above.

On the field, the Blue Jays arrive back home on the heels of a successful, albeit uneven 6-4 start that has included some great hitting but, at times, inconsistent pitching.

The offense has been led by Matt Chapman, one of the hottest hitters in baseball, to start the new season. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette have both been great, and the club has received excellent early value from newcomers Kevin Kiermaier and Daulton Varsho, too.

“Many of the things that we sought to address in the offseason were evident during the road trip,” says Shapiro. “Most importantly the resilience and grit. There’s so much upside for so many more guys.”

Here’s what fans need to know ahead of Tuesday’s game.

Pre-game notes, probable pitchers

• The Blue Jays announced that Hall of Fame first baseman Fred McGriff would be honoured ahead of the game. McGriff, who played five seasons in Toronto, was elected to the Hall of Fame in December.

• Several Blue Jays, including Guerrero Jr. catcher Alejandro Kirk and Canadian reliever Jordan Romano, will also receive their offseason awards. Guerrero Jr. won his first Gold Glove for his work at first base, Kirk was recognized as a Silver Slugger, while Romano will receive the Tip O’Neil award.

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• The organization is expected to honour long-time Detroit Tigers slugger and 12-time MLB All-Star Miguel Cabrera in a pre-game tribute. Cabrera, 39, will retire at the end of the season.

• Rogers Centre gates will open at 5 p.m., with first pitch slated for 7:07 p.m. ET.

• Starting pitchers: Blue Jays’ Alek Manoah (1-0, 4.35 ERA) vs. Tigers’ Matt Manning (1-0, 3.18 ERA)

• Quoted: “I know we’re all ready to get back. It’s crazy. It feels like we’ve been on the road for a month,” Chapman said. “We haven’t even checked into our apartments. But everybody’s excited to get back home, see the renovations, and get in front of the home crowd. I feel like it’ll be a lot of fun.”

With files from Sportsnet