Arizona Diamondbacks host Detroit Tigers in home opener

D-backs look to bounce back after being swept by Dodgers to start the season

Mar. 31, 2026 at 1:03am

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An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors capturing the dynamic energy and motion of a baseball game, with players' forms and equipment dissolving into colorful brushstrokes.The Diamondbacks' home opener against the Tigers promises an electric atmosphere as the team looks to bounce back from a tough start to the season.Phoenix Today

The Arizona Diamondbacks are set to host the Detroit Tigers in their home opener at Chase Field on Monday night. After being swept by the Los Angeles Dodgers to start the season, the D-backs will turn to Michael Soroka on the mound as they aim to get their first win. The Tigers will counter with veteran Justin Verlander. The game will feature several pregame festivities, including recognizing some of the Diamondbacks' award winners from last season and a first pitch thrown by an 8-year-old Little Leaguer who overcame a rare medical condition.

Why it matters

The Diamondbacks' home opener is an important early-season game as they look to bounce back from a tough start to the year. A win would give the team and its fans a much-needed boost of momentum heading into the rest of the season. The game also features several heartwarming pregame events that will energize the crowd and showcase the community spirit around the team.

The details

The Diamondbacks will start Michael Soroka, who struggled in spring training and the World Baseball Classic, against the Tigers' veteran Justin Verlander. Arizona's lineup will feature Ketel Marte leading off, followed by Corbin Carroll, Geraldo Perdomo, Gabriel Moreno, Nolan Arenado, Alek Thomas, Carlos Santana, Ildemaro Vargas, and Jordan Lawlar. Pregame festivities will include recognizing the Diamondbacks' Silver Slugger award winners from last season, a first pitch from an 8-year-old Little Leaguer who overcame a rare medical condition, and a national anthem performance by a blind, autistic clarinetist.

  • First pitch is set for 7:10 p.m. on Monday, April 7, 2026.
  • The gates opened at 5 p.m., and the pregame festivities will begin at 6:30 p.m.

The players

Michael Soroka

The starting pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks, who struggled in spring training and the World Baseball Classic.

Justin Verlander

The veteran starting pitcher for the Detroit Tigers, who also had a difficult spring training.

Ketel Marte

The leadoff hitter and second baseman for the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Beauden Baumkirchner

An 8-year-old Little Leaguer who will throw out the first pitch, having survived a rare and aggressive staph infection that required over 20 surgeries and the amputation of both of his legs.

Joe Giacinto

A blind, autistic, and self-taught clarinetist who will perform the national anthem.

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What they’re saying

“After opening the 2026 season on the road in Los Angeles, the Arizona Diamondbacks are back in the Valley for their home opener against the Detroit Tigers on Monday night.”

— DOUGLAS SANTO, Author

What’s next

The Diamondbacks will look to build momentum from their home opener as they continue their series against the Tigers over the next few days.

The takeaway

The Diamondbacks' home opener against the Tigers is an important early-season game as the team looks to bounce back from a tough start. The game will feature heartwarming pregame events that showcase the community spirit around the team, and a win would give the Diamondbacks and their fans a much-needed boost of energy heading into the rest of the season.