Rule changes aimed at speeding up the pace of games and familiar contenders powered by top stars will highlight Thursday's start of the 2023 Major League Baseball season.The San Diego Padres added Xander Bogaerts to a lineup boasting star sluggers Fernando Tatis, Juan Soto and Manny Machado and are expected to be a top contender in the National League along with the 2020 champion Los Angeles Dodgers and 2021 champion Atlanta Braves.