Alex Rodriguez returned to the New York Yankees line-up for the baseball season's opening day following a 162-game suspension, batting seventh and serving as designated hitter. Rodriguez returned from a suspension that spanned all of the 2014 season for admitted to receiving and using performance-enhancing drugs from a Florida clinic. Yet A-Rod received a warm welcome on his comeback, with fans even holding up signs that read 'Forgive' in the crowd. Team-mates applaud as New York Yankees designated hitter Alex Rodriguez takes to the field . New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi (from left to right), Jacoby Ellsbury, and Brett Gardner greet designated hitter Rodriguez after he was introduced  before the start of the opening day game . New York Yankees designated hitter Rodriguez (centre) stands in the dugout at the start of  opening day . Signs in the stands encourages fans to forgive  Rodriguez after his heavy suspension . As always, the baseball season got off with a bang. There were giant American flags, national anthems sang loud and proud, and grand entrances via parachutes. On the field, however, Atlanta Braves right-handed reliever Jason Grilli will take over as the closer following the trade of Craig Kimbrel. In a blockbuster trade on the eve of opening day, the San Diego Padres acquired Kimbrel and outfielder Melvin Upton Jr from the Braves on Sunday. Elsewhere, Tampa Bay Rays designated hitter John Jaso suffered a left wrist contusion sliding into second base in the first inning of Monday's season opener against the Baltimore Orioles. X-rays were negative, but Jaso left the game and was replaced by David DeJesus, who batted in the third inning. Chicago White Sox players and Kansas City Royals players line the field for the national anthem . A US Navy Leap Frog member parachutes into the stadium before Boston Red Sox vs Philadelphia Phillies . The Pittsburgh Pirates and the Cincinnati Reds line up for the national anthem before their opening day tie . The Philadelphia Phillies march into the stadium before the game against the Boston Red Sox . Jay Bruce of the Cincinnati Reds tries to make a catch on the opening day of baseball season . Robinson Cano and Justin Ruggiano  of the Seattle Mariners celebrate after beating the Los Angeles Angels . Two fans have matching shirts on opening day that read: 'Together since 1987' Cancer survivor Julie Kramer throws out an opening pitch before an opening day game .
A-Rod returned to the New York Yankees line-up for the opening day . Alex Rodriguez came back from a 162-game suspension for the Yankees . He received a warm welcome on his comeback, with fans even holding up signs that read 'Forgive' in the crowd .