Dodgers Preview:
Los Angeles Dodgers (0-0) versus Arizona Diamondbacks (0-0)
LOS ANGELES, CA—The wait is finally over. The 2026 Major League Baseball regular season has started, signaling the Los Angeles Dodgers’ chase for a third straight title. After winning back-to-back World Series, the Dodgers begin their title defense at home by hosting their division rival, the Arizona Diamondbacks, at Dodger Stadium for a three-game series during Opening Week.
Unlike the last two regular seasons, the Dodgers will kick off regular-season action at home in North America at a regular time, unlike in 2024, when they played a two-game series in South Korea, and in 2025, when they played in Tokyo, Japan.
However, all the pressure is on Los Angeles, as they’re the new Public Enemy No. 1 in Major League Baseball, having not only won consecutive championships but also added multiple superstars, including All-Stars Kyle Tucker and Edwin Díaz.
Anything less than another championship will be seen as a failure, but before we can talk about October baseball, we have to play a full 162, and it all starts now at Chavez Ravine.
Pitching Probables
Game One: Yoshinobu Yamamoto (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs Zac Gallen (0-0, 0.00 ERA)
Game Two: Emmet Sheehan (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs Ryne Nelson (0-0, 0.00 ERA)
Game Three: Tyler Glasnow (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs Eduardo Rodriguez (LHP) (0-0, 0.00 ERA)
Game Times
Game One: 5:30 PM PT, NBC/Peacock
Game Two: 7:10 PM PT, SportsNet LA, MLB Network, Dbacks.TV
Game Three: 6:10 PM PT, SportsNet LA, Dbacks.TV
Who’s In & Who’s Out
It wouldn't be the start of a Dodgers season without some injuries, and so far the team has offically announced seven players to join the injured list before Opening Day.
Edman is the lone position player on the IL as he continued to rehab from offseason ankle surgery. The utilityman has been taking live swings and is targeting a late-May return per Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.
Blake Snell is another pitcher targeting a late-May return after a delayed ramp-up this spring training, but it’s nothing serious with the shoulder that sidelines him for half of the 2025 season.
Gavin Stone is still shut down after experiencing shoulder soreness after his Cactus League debut in March, and his next steps are to be determined.
Bobby Miller is also shut down due to right shoulder soreness and was transferred to the 60-day IL, pushing his possible return to late-May.
Day-to-day (00):
10-day IL (1): Tommy Edman
15-day IL (5): Blake Snell, Landon Knack, Gavin Stone, Brusdar Graterol, Brock Stewart
60-day IL (3): Kiké Hernández, Evan Phillips, Bobby Miller
The Diamondbacks begin the 2026 season shorthanded, with injuries impacting multiple areas of the roster—from the rotation to the outfield and catching depth. Several players are expected to return early in the season, while others are set for long-term recovery timelines.
Lourdes Gurriel Jr., a projected everyday corner outfielder, opens the year sidelined with a minor soft-tissue issue. His absence temporarily weakens Arizona’s middle-of-the-order firepower.
Tyler Locklear, who was expected to compete for at-bats at first base and DH, begins the season on the injured list with a hand ailment. The team anticipates a short recovery.
Adrian Del Castillo provides critical catching depth behind the plate. Starting the season on the 10-day IL leaves Arizona thin at the position to open the campaign.
Merrill Kelly’s placement is important, as he has been a steady presence in Arizona’s rotation for several seasons. His right shoulder inflammation requires a slow buildup, and the team hopes to have him back early in the year if his recovery goes well.
Day-to-day (00):
10-day IL (3): Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Tyler Locklear, Adrian Del Castillo
15-day IL (1): Merrill Kelly
60-day IL (7): Blake Walston, Corbin Burnes, Justin Martinez, A.J. Puk, Colin Selby, Cristian Mena, Andrew Saalfrank