The Houston Astros' debut as an American League team will also be the first game of the upcoming Major League Baseball season.

MLB announced on Thursday that it will open the 2013 campaign with a nationally televised matchup between the Astros and the Texas Rangers from Minute Maid Park on Sunday, March 31. The game will begin at 8 p.m. (et) and will be carried by ESPN.

Houston was moved to the AL West for this season after spending its entire previous existence as a member of the National League. The move now gives both leagues an even number of 15 teams and will allow for interleague play throughout the season.