Rob Manfred to throw first pitch at Nationals game on Opening Day

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred will throw the first pitch on Opening Day at Nationals Park. Manfred took over as commissioner in January 2015.

Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred will throw the ceremonial first pitch on Opening Day at Nationals Park, the team announced.

Manfred was elected as the new commissioner in August 2014 and officially took over for Bud Selig in January 2015.

Since he took over for Selig, Manfred has announced several changes, including rule alterations to speed up games. One of those pace-of-play changes would mandate that hitters keep one foot in the batter's box in between pitches, to the dismay of some players.

On Monday, Manfred said he plans to meet with Pete Rose to talk about the possibility of Rose being reinstated. 

• VERDUCCI: Q+A with Rob Manfred

The Nationals, who won the NL East last season before falling in the Divisional Series to the San Francisco Giants, will open their season against the New York Mets on April 6.

- Erick Fernandez