Orioles-Red Sox game postponed due to rain

The Orioles aren't opening their season later this afternoon.

Today's game against the Red Sox at Fenway Park has been postponed due to a forecast that calls for periods of rain throughout the afternoon.

(The weather app on my phone only shows clouds in Boston after 10 a.m., but it isn't official.)

The game has been rescheduled for Friday at 2:10 p.m.

"The decision to postpone our first game of the season was not made lightly," Red Sox President and CEO Sam Kennedy said in a statement. "The built-in off-day was created for just this purpose, and tomorrow's forecast for sunshine also factored into our decision. 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."

Maybe it wasn't rain that prompted the call to nix the game, but simply a desire for sunnier skies. Cold and dampness don't make for ideal baseball conditions.

The Orioles and Indians played in the snow one year, but what do I know?

Anyway, MASN and 105.7 The Fan will broadcast the opener.

The Red Sox also announced that tickets for today's game will be good for admission on Friday, with gates opening two hours before first pitch. Pregame ceremonies are scheduled to begin at 1:40 p.m.

If you happen to be there.

The Red Sox are allowing 5,000 fans into the ballpark.

Rosters still must be set by noon today.

The rotation shouldn't be impacted by the postponement. John Means starts Friday, followed by Matt Harvey and Bruce Zimmermann to close out the series.

In other "news," major league coach Fredi González is changing his uniform number to 57. Please act accordingly.