ESPN yesterday released its “Sunday Night Baseball” schedule, which will begin with the April 3 Mets-Royals Opening Night World Series rematch. The Red Sox will have four appearances to document DH David Ortiz’ final season, three of which will be against the Yankees. On June 12, there will be a special doubleheader featuring Cardinals-Pirates and Dodgers-Giants. Meanwhile, the Astros and D-backs will be making their first appearances since '13 and '08, respectively. ESPN's schedule has been mapped out in part through the first Sunday after the All-Star Game (July 17), with remaining matchups to be selected two to three weeks in advance (ESPN). In Dallas, Gerry Fraley noted the Rangers "did not make it" onto the first 17 weeks of the "SNB" schedule. The Cubs and Blue Jays were the only two other playoff clubs from last season that "were ignored." ESPN will offer its "usual idolatry" of Yankees-Red Sox. The Dodgers and Giants are the "only other clubs slated for three appearances in these 11 games" (DALLASNEWS.com, 12/21).
