MLB "plans to move 13 regular-season series to various international sites" in an effort to "increase baseball's popularity around the world," according to Bill Shaikin of the L.A. TIMES. The Dodgers and Padres "could play in Mexico City next April." That series would be the "first of six planned" for Mexico from '18-21. Other international events scheduled for the next four years includes Opening Day in Asia from '18-20, a May series in Puerto Rico or the Dominican Republic in '18 and '20 and a June series in the U.K. in '19-20. MLB also "plans a total of four spring training series in Mexico, Puerto Rico and/or the Dominican Republic" from '18-20 (L.A. TIMES, 7/29). However, the AP's Ronald Blum cited a source as saying that plans have "not progressed" for an '18 opener in Asia, and those games are "now unlikely." A two-game series between the Indians and Twins in San Juan, Puerto Rico, "already has been announced for next April 17-18." Twins manager Paul Molitor said, "It's probably been in the works for a while for MLB to try to find out how to expand on the international and global market. ... The fact we were able to pique enough interest in fan bases from parts maybe we never would have imagined a decade or two ago can only be good for the game." London's Olympic Stadium, home to EPL club West Ham, has been "looked at as a possible venue for the games in Britain," and the Yankees and Red Sox are the "most likely" teams for '19 (AP, 7/28).
