Sox opener at Fenway postponed

BOSTON — The pandemic-delayed 2020 season is being followed up by a rain-delayed start to 2021 for the Boston Red Sox.

The Red Sox postponed their opener against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park on Thursday because of rain that was forecast to last all day. The game will be made up on Friday, an off-day built into the schedule for just this possibility.

“One day, two days, three days — I really don’t care, to be honest with you,“Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. “I know there are a lot of guys that are excited, but I think it’s for the best. Tomorrow will be a better day weather-wise.“

The Red Sox made the announcement at 9 a.m., about five hours before the scheduled first pitch. After delaying the start of the 2020 season until July and then playing in front an empty ballpark all year, the team had been cleared by the state to open Fenway Park to about 4,500 fans — 12% of capacity.

“The decision to postpone our first game of the season was not made lightly,” Red Sox President Sam Kennedy said. “We have been eager to have fans back at Fenway Park for the first time in 18 months and look forward to welcoming everyone back tomorrow under brighter and drier conditions.”

Nathan Eovaldi is still scheduled to pitch the opener against Baltimore’s John Means. Cora said that Eduardo Rodriguez, who was scratched from the opening day start after missing his final spring training tuneup with a dead arm, will begin the season on the injured list.

John Bazemore / Associated Press Red Sox starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi is still scheduled to pitch the season opener against Baltimore’s John Means on Friday after Thursday’s game was postponed due to rain.