The opening week of the MLB regular season is finally here, and before we really get into the swing of things, we’re checking in with a few big leaguers with ties to our area.First, we start things off with Atlanta Braves ace Chris Sale.FGCU’s finest is back for his 17th MLB season, and for the 7th time in his career, he’ll be pitching on opening day, something that, at age 37, he still isn’t taking for granted.Braves Pitcher Chris Sale said, “I appreciate it, I really do. We have a few guys in here that would be worthy of the honor, obviously. But it comes with a responsibility, and I look forward to the responsibilities that come with the other things attached to being an opening day starter.”Another ace to keep an eye on is one that has been out of baseball for some time.Rays pitcher and Cape Coral High alum Shane McClanahan hasn’t pitched in the MLB since August of 2023, but after a strong spring training, Sugar Shane is ready for a healthy 2026 campaign.Rays Pitcher Shane McClanahan said, “This entire process has tested me mentally, it’s tested me physically, emotionally, and I’m glad to kind of turn that corner and have that end goal in sight.”Another pitcher eyeing a return is FGCU alum Kutter Crawford, who missed all of last season with a freak wrist injury.He’s been progressing through his recovery and is expected to make a minor league rehab start in the coming weeks.Red Sox Pitcher Kutter Crawford said, “Take it one day at a time. You’re going to have highs and lows throughout this rehab process, but you just have to ultimately take it one day at a time and show up each day and try to get better.”Along with these pitchers, we have a hitter with a big opportunity to start the season.Former Bishop Verot Viking Blaze Alexander was traded from the Arizona Diamondbacks to the Baltimore Orioles this offseason.After some injuries, the door has opened for Blaze to start on opening day, and he’s ready to step in wherever he is needed.Baltimore Orioles 2B Blaze Alexander said, “I’m ready to take that next step and wherever the team wants me. Whether it’s third base, second, outfield, I’m a player. I like to play I like to get out there, make crazy plays, diving catches, whether I’m in the outfield or infield and I like to have fun with it.”Here’s to a happy and healthy 2026 season for all of our local legends in the MLB!DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.

The opening week of the MLB regular season is finally here, and before we really get into the swing of things, we’re checking in with a few big leaguers with ties to our area.

First, we start things off with Atlanta Braves ace Chris Sale.

FGCU’s finest is back for his 17th MLB season, and for the 7th time in his career, he’ll be pitching on opening day, something that, at age 37, he still isn’t taking for granted.

Braves Pitcher Chris Sale said, “I appreciate it, I really do. We have a few guys in here that would be worthy of the honor, obviously. But it comes with a responsibility, and I look forward to the responsibilities that come with the other things attached to being an opening day starter.”

Another ace to keep an eye on is one that has been out of baseball for some time.

Rays pitcher and Cape Coral High alum Shane McClanahan hasn’t pitched in the MLB since August of 2023, but after a strong spring training, Sugar Shane is ready for a healthy 2026 campaign.

Rays Pitcher Shane McClanahan said, “This entire process has tested me mentally, it’s tested me physically, emotionally, and I’m glad to kind of turn that corner and have that end goal in sight.”

Another pitcher eyeing a return is FGCU alum Kutter Crawford, who missed all of last season with a freak wrist injury.

He’s been progressing through his recovery and is expected to make a minor league rehab start in the coming weeks.

Red Sox Pitcher Kutter Crawford said, “Take it one day at a time. You’re going to have highs and lows throughout this rehab process, but you just have to ultimately take it one day at a time and show up each day and try to get better.”

Along with these pitchers, we have a hitter with a big opportunity to start the season.

Former Bishop Verot Viking Blaze Alexander was traded from the Arizona Diamondbacks to the Baltimore Orioles this offseason.

After some injuries, the door has opened for Blaze to start on opening day, and he’s ready to step in wherever he is needed.

Baltimore Orioles 2B Blaze Alexander said, “I’m ready to take that next step and wherever the team wants me. Whether it’s third base, second, outfield, I’m a player. I like to play I like to get out there, make crazy plays, diving catches, whether I’m in the outfield or infield and I like to have fun with it.”

Here’s to a happy and healthy 2026 season for all of our local legends in the MLB!

DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.