Familiar rivals set to launch season

Andrew McCutchen vs. Adam Wainwright in the first inning, Josh Donaldson and the bangin’ Toronto Blue Jays teeing off later, then a World Series rematch in Kansas City.

Not a bad way to begin opening day.

The forecast at Pittsburgh’s PNC Park calls for temperatures in the upper 30s F on Sunday afternoon when McCutchen and the Pirates play host to the first game of the 2016 season.

The will face the St. Louis Cardinals.

“There’s a part of opening day that’s always tremendously special and significant,” Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said.

Toronto-Tampa Bay and Mets-Royals are on tap, too.

Most everyone else opens Monday, including the Seattle Mariners, who begin a three-game series in Texas against the Rangers.

Zack Greinke and David Price pitch for the first time with their new teams, while NL Cy Young Award winner Jake Arrieta and the Chicago Cubs begin their much-heralded quest for a championship, visiting the Los Angeles Angels.

Detroit and Miami will be the last teams in action, starting Tuesday at Marlins Park.

“I think we’re ready,” Marlins manager Don Mattingly said after an exhibition game Saturday.

“I feel like we’ve been ready for a little bit here.”

So long, spring training in the sun. Now the heat is back on. “It’s a different vibe, a little more laid back, the weather is always warm,” said McCutchen.

“But to get the season started where everything really counts ... yes, I’m looking forward to that.”

At Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, it’ll be Matt Harvey of the Mets vs. Edinson Volquez of the Royals.

They were the starters in the final game of 2015 — K.C. rallied at Citi Field in the clinching Game 5 of the World Series.

“It’s impossible to simulate World Series atmospheres, but with them getting their rings and raising the banner and things like that, I think it would give a little bit of motivation,” Mets captain David Wright said.