MLB Network Showcase Returns for Statcast Edition of Cardinals-White Sox on May 26

For the first time this season, MLB Network Showcase will feature an enhanced broadcast format from Statcast powered by Google Cloud when the AL Central Division-leading Chicago White Sox host the NL Central Division-leading St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday, May 26 at 2:00 p.m. ET. Called by Brian Kenny, Dan O’Dowd, Carlos Peña, and MLB.com writer Mike Petriello, the broadcast will feature real-time data, game relevant analytics, and thoughtful commentary all through the lens of Statcast. In-studio demonstrations and Statcast-focused essays written by Kenny will be part of the telecast. Wednesday will mark the eighth analytics-focused game telecast MLB Network has produced since 2015.

“Our goal is to call a good ballgame and entertain those watching. But MLB Now is the ‘Show for the Thinking Fan,’ and we will approach the live game call the same way,” says Kenny, who has been the host of MLB Now since 2013. “We will speak the language of the modern game, with all its sophisticated game planning, tactics, and strategy. We will question decisions with a level of scrutiny rarely done in a live telecast.”

Following Wednesday’s game, MLB Network will have produced three non-traditional game telecast formats this season. Greg Amsinger, Dan Plesac, and Harold Reynolds called the season debut of MLB Network Showcase – MLB Tonight style presented by Chevrolet featuring the Chicago White Sox against the Minnesota Twins on May 12. The broadcast incorporated elements from MLB Tonight, including highlights, demonstrations and live look-ins to other games. MLB Network Showcase: Clubhouse Edition featuring the New York Yankees against the Cleveland Indians debuted on April 25. From a casual setup inside MLB Network’s Studio 21, six-time All-Star CC Sabathia joined Peña, Hall of Famer John Smoltz, and host Stephen Nelson for the call, which highlighted the organic conversations that take place among a group of former players when they watch a game.

As the case for every live regular season game on MLB Network, Wednesday’s telecast will be available for authenticated live streaming via the MLB app and MLBNetwork.com. Wednesday’s game will be blacked out in the White Sox’s and Cardinals’ home television territories.