MIAMI -- The Marlins will have earlier start times for weekday home games during the first, second and final months of the 2021 campaign, it was announced as part of an MLB regular-season schedule release on Thursday afternoon. The club will have a 6:40 p.m. ET first pitch Mondays through Thursdays in April, May and September in an attempt to be more family friendly during the school year.

Opening Day is scheduled for April 1 at 4:10 p.m. against the Rays, and the final day of the regular season is set for Oct. 3 at 3:10 p.m. vs. the Phillies. During Interleague Play, Miami will host clubs from the American League East, including Tampa Bay (April 1-3), Baltimore (April 20-21), Toronto (June 22-23) and New York (July 30-Aug. 1).

In addition, the Marlins announced on Thursday they are pursuing the WELL Health-Safety Rating for Marlins Park through the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI). In the upcoming weeks, the club also plans to announce additional health and safety measures that will be put in place for 2021 home games.