Here’s why Twins announcer Dick Bremer is missing his first home opener in 40 years

A few things will be a little different than expected for the Minnesota Twins home opener this year. For starters, the game was supposed to played on Thursday afternoon but was moved due to inclimate weather.

Things will look different in that it’ll be a different day and (hopefully) nicer weather, but the game will sound different too. Long time Twins play by play announcer Dick Bremer will not be in the booth for the home opener.

Bremer announced on Thursday that he would be missing the home opener broadcast on Friday after testing positive for COVID.

"After more than 3 years of successfully bobbing and weaving around it, '19 got me in '23. I've tested positive and will miss my first home opener in 40 years. Looking forward to returning to the booth soon," Bremer announced. 

Who is replacing Dick Bremer for Twins home opener?

A familiar voice to Twins fans will be making an appearance on the Bally Sports North broadcast while Bremer recovers.

Replacing Bremer in the booth next Justin Morneau will be Cory Provus, who is usually not far from Bremer while calling games for the Twins Radio Network. Povus will be replaced on the radio broadcast by Kris Atteberry, who Twins fans know from the scoreboard updates on the radio broadcasts, and he will be joined by Dan Gladden.

Bremer has missed Twins broadcasts in the past, but not having him in the booth for a home opener is rather unprecedented. In missing this year’s game, it will mark the first time in four decades that Bremer won’t be in the booth for a Twins home opener.

Minnesota was originally scheduled to have an off day on Friday, meaning they’ll play three straight days against the Houston Astros this weekend. It’s unclear whether or not Bremer will be in the booth for any other games.