LEADING OFF: Crowds back on opening day, Cole starts season

Chicago White Sox manager Tony LaRussa (22) removes starting pitcher Lucas Giolito (27) from the baseball game as catcher Yasmani Grandal, left, and first baseman Jose Abreu (79) wait on the mound during the fifth inning of a spring training matchup against the San Francisco Giants on Monday, March 22, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman wears his hat sideways as he waits for Boston Red Sox' Xander Bogaerts (2) to bat during the first inning of a spring training baseball game on Tuesday, March 23, 2021, in North Port, Fla. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

Milwaukee Brewers fans try to get a players attention from behind protective plexi-glass during a preseason baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Tuesday, March 30, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)

Washington Nationals' Juan Soto flies out to center field during the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the New York Mets, Sunday, March 21, 2021, in West Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

New York Yankees starter Gerrit Cole pitches against the Toronto Blue Jays during the third inning of a spring training baseball game Sunday, March 21, 2021, at TD Ballpark in Dunedin, Fla. (Steve Nesius/The Canadian Press via AP)

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw throws to an Oakland Athletics batter during the first inning of a spring training baseball game Friday, March 26, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)