By Mary Whitfill, editor-in-chief

At 3 p.m. today, the Red Sox’ bats will find their groove in the season’s first game in Philadelphia. Major League Baseball’s opening day will pit the Sox against the Phillies on Monday, a week before famous Fenway Park will host its first game of the season on April 13.

Injured Red Sox closer Koji Ueahara isn’t expected to miss more than a week of the season and will hopefully be back on the field by Fenway’s opening day. Ueahara was signed to a two-year, $18 million contract in October.

Fresh faces will be seen in Ueahara, Outfielder Mookie Bets, Infielder Pablo Sandoval, Outfielder Hanley Ramírez, Pitcher Justin Masterson, Pitcher Alexi Ogando and Catcher Sandy León. 

The Red Sox are looking to repeat their 2013 Cinderella season where the team went from being ranked last in the American League East to World Series Champions. Last year, the team went 71-91.

Pitcher Clay Buchholz is scheduled for his career-first opening day start on Monday, with the Sox’ pitching lineup lacking the star power it has had in the past. All eyes will be on Buchholz and opponent Phillies Pitcher Cole Hamels, whom the Sox have been eyeing for a trade. Buchholz was 12-1 with a 1.74 ERA in 2013, but missed nearly three months with injuries.

When the Sox do finally hit home plate in their own stadium, things may look a little different. On April 13, Boston will face the Washington Nationals in a stadium that was outfitted with several enhancements in the off season. 174 new seats have been installed, which will bring the stadium’s capacity to 37,673 at night games and 37,221 at day games. The WiFi network has also been upgraded and the Budweiser Right Field Roof Deck will look a little different to visitors this season.

Boston Red Sox 2015 Roster:

Photo courtesy Keith Allison, Creative Commons.