Marlins will host Tigers April 5-6 to open 2016 season
MIAMI -- The Miami Marlins announced their home schedule for the 2016 season on Tuesday afternoon.
Miami will host the Detroit Tigers and former 2003 World Series champion Miguel Cabrera for a two-game set from April 5-6 to open the season. It marks the third straight year the Marlins will begin at home. The Tigers last visited in September 2013, and right-hander Henderson Alvarez tossed a no-hitter on Closing Day.
The National League East will take on the American League Central for interleague play next year. The Chicago White Sox (Aug. 12-14) and 2014 American League champion Kansas City Royals (Aug. 23-25) will visit South Florida, while the Marlins will travel to Cleveland, Detroit and Minnesota. The Citrus Series will return once again, with the Tampa Bay Rays coming to Miami from May 23-24.
Miami will close out its season with a three-game trip following a 10-game homestand that features divisional opponents in the Washington Nationals (Sept. 19-21), Atlanta Braves (Sept. 22-25) and New York Mets (Sept. 26-28).
"We're accustomed to it a little bit," manager Dan Jennings said of Interleague play so early on. "We had Tampa in here a little early this year. But at the same time it's always fun playing some of those teams in the Central and the fanbase they have. Kansas City, places like that. Great places to play.
"And Miggy. Always great to see Miggy, although I'd much rather watch him on TV than face him five times a night."
The Marlins have guaranteed fans access to the 2017 All-Star Game at Marlins Park if they purchase 2016 season tickets.
You can follow Christina De Nicola on Twitter @CDeNicola13 or email her at cdenicola13@gmail.com.
