Thursday was Opening Day for Major League Baseball. As for Minor League Baseball, the Rochester Red Wings' season begins Friday in Buffalo against the Bisons. 

March 28 is the earliest start for the minor leagues in 74 years. 

Rochester announced their Opening Day roster on Thursday, with Matthew LeCroy returning for his fifth year as Wings' manager. 

Back with the Wings this year is Darren Baker. The son of former MLB player and manager Dusty Baker was selected to the Washington Nationals' 40-man roster at the end of last season and played in nine games, but was optioned to Rochester to start 2025. 

"It was awesome," Baker said. "I kind of knew what to expect a little bit already, but it's different when I have to play. It was great. I'm just working to get better at everything every day and [hopefully] things work out and I'll be ready."

Baker is the team's two-time reigning most popular player. In addition to Baker, 11 other players have major league experience, including catchers Andrew Knizner and Drew Millas, outfielder Franchy Cordero and infielder Trey Lipscomb.

The Red Wings and Bisons are the first minor league game on the slate with a 2:05 p.m. first pitch.

The Wings' home opener is next Tuesday when they open a six-game series with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs at Innovative Field.