NBC is making good on its promise to showcase MLB analysts with ties to the teams playing for its broadcasts.<\/p>\n
MLB Network analyst and former New York Mets pitcher Al Leiter and former Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Neil Walker will serve as game analysts for NBC\u2019s Opening Day broadcast of Pirates-Mets later this month. NBC play-by-play announcer Matt Vasgersian, who will call the game, revealed the assignments during an interview on MartyTime TV<\/a>. Sports Media Watch later confirmed the trio would call Opening Day<\/a>.<\/p>\n Additionally, veteran pitcher Adam Ottavino, who remains a free agent after playing for the New York Yankees last season, will serve as a studio analyst alongside host Ahmed Fareed, Sports Media Watch reports.<\/p>\n Analysts for the second game of NBC\u2019s Opening Day doubleheader, a primetime matchup between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Los Angeles Dodgers, have not yet been reported. Jason Benetti, who will serve as NBC\u2019s lead MLB voice calling\u00a0Sunday Night Baseball throughout the season, will be on the call for the 8:30 p.m. ET game.<\/p>\n Leiter comes into his NBC assignment with a solid base of broadcasting experience. The former Met works for MLB Network and has made stops at YES Network, ESPN, and Fox Sports throughout his broadcasting career. Walker, on the other hand, does not have any formal national broadcasting experience and is still technically an active player.<\/p>\n