Vlad Jr., Buxton set to star in season debut of MLB Sunday Leadoff on Peacock
Start your Sundays with baseball on Peacock and NBC.
This Sunday brings the season debut of MLB Sunday Leadoff, a weekly spotlight game that will be streamed on Peacock. Most games will also be simulcast on NBCSN. The first MLB Sunday Leadoff game of the year will pit the Blue Jays against the Twins at Target Field.
Here is what you need to know about this weekend's showdown.
Blue Jays at Twins, 12:45 p.m. ET on Peacock/NBCSN
The Blue Jays, the reigning American League champions, stumbled to 13 losses in their first 20 games this season, but they have found their footing of late and are starting to string together victories. Naturally, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s bat has been integral; the five-time All-Star leads the team in runs scored, batting average and OPS, among other categories. The Blue Jays have also been getting valuable contributions from second baseman Ernie Clement and rookie third baseman Kazuma Okamoto, who leads the club with five home runs. The Blue Jays have yet to announce a probable starting pitcher for this game.
The face of the Twins' franchise, Byron Buxton, has already slugged eight homers in 29 games this year after setting a career high with 35 dingers in 2025. He is one of eight Twins who have at least three home runs thus far. Notable names in that group include hot-hitting catcher Ryan Jeffers and switch-hitting shortstop Brooks Lee. Right-handed ace Joe Ryan is slated to get the ball for the Twins in this contest. The 2025 All-Star has a 3.76 ERA and 39 strikeouts through 38 1/3 innings this season. He limited the Blue Jays to two runs over seven innings during a victory in Toronto on April 11.
Who will be the announcers for this game?
Matt Vasgersian will be the play-by-play announcer for many of the MLB Sunday Leadoff games, and he will often work with analysts who are associated with the teams involved in each week's game. For this Sunday's game between the Blue Jays and Twins, the analysts will be former All-Star outfielder Dexter Fowler and 2006 American League MVP Justin Morneau. Caroline Pineda will serve as the sideline reporter.
Do I need to pay to watch MLB Sunday Leadoff games?
A Peacock Premium subscription is required to view the games on the streaming service. However, most MLB Sunday Leadoff games will be simulcast on NBCSN, NBC Sports' cable network.
How many MLB Sunday Leadoff games will be streamed this season?
There will be 18 MLB Sunday Leadoff games during the regular season, streaming on Peacock each Sunday from May 3 through Aug. 30.
How can I watch the game if I’m on the go?
Every MLB Sunday Leadoff game can be streamed on the Peacock app.
Will there be any blackout restrictions?
MLB Sunday Leadoff games are exclusive to Peacock in the United States. They are not available on MLB.TV.
If I am an international MLB.TV subscriber, how do I view the MLB Sunday Leadoff game?
MLB Sunday Leadoff games on Peacock do not have any international blackout restrictions.