From parade to first pitch: Cleveland set for Guardians home opener

State of weather: Friday's forecast, while warm, includes a chance of rain and thunderstorms in the afternoon.

• Game time is 4:10pm.

The intrigue: The Guardians enter with a record of 4-3, an admirable showing considering they've played the Seattle Mariners and Los Angeles Dodgers, both considered World Series contenders.

• Cleveland now begins a home series with the Chicago Cubs. Cleveland Heights native and U.S. women's hockey Olympic gold medalist Laila Edwards will throw out the ceremonial first pitch.

On the field: Joey Cantillo will take the mound for Cleveland in his second start of the season.

• All eyes will be on rookie Chase DeLauter, who has hit four home runs in his first seven games, providing the Guardians with a much-needed power surge after last season.

Yes, but: DeLauter is nursing a left foot contusion, but plans to play.

In the stands: Progressive Field is rolling out upgrades this season, such as finishing a three-year project of converting every seat to a new blue design.

• The ballpark has also added new concession partners, including Aladdin's, Sauce the City and STEAK.

• The concessions in Section 138 have been converted into a grab-and-go Arcade Marketplace, while Section 556 now features a self-checkout stand with classic ballpark items.

Elsewhere, Ohio City is launching a new tradition this year with a neighborhood party that kicks off at 10am.

• Guardians mascot Slider will then lead a parade to Progressive Field around 1:45pm.

How to watch: The home opener is sold out, while prices for secondary market tickets started at around $130 as of Thursday afternoon.

• The game will air on WKYC (Channel 3) and stream on CLEGUARDIANS.TV.