GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Spring training can be a simple step-by-step process leading up to every MLB season. Once pitchers and catchers report to camp, position players eventually join them, workouts commence, followed by live BP and sometimes even intrasquad games.
The Cleveland Indians are finally about to reach another fun step as they prepare for the 2017 regular season: Cactus League exhibition season.
On Saturday, Feb. 25 at Goodyear Ballpark the Tribe will host the Cincinnati Reds at Goodyear Ballpark. First pitch is set for 3:05 pm ET and can be heard on Newsradio WTAM 1100.
Ryan Merritt will start the Tribe's first spring training exhibition match up. On Thursday in camp, many members of the Indians took part in the annual Reds-Indians golf outing. Friday is photo/media day for the Tribe and then spring training baseball games begin.
The Indians open the 2017 season on the road in Arlington, where they will play the Texas Rangers in a three-game weekday series starting April 3. The Tribe then goes back to Arizona for a weekend interleague series against the Diamondbacks, followed by their home opener April 11 at Progressive Field against the Chicago White Sox.
Corey Kluber will likely be the Indians' Opening Day starter April 3 in Texas. If Kluber happens to need one extra start to continue his preparation for the 2017 season, the Tribe is prepared to adjust their rotation accordingly Terry Francona told the media on Thursday.
- Nick Camino