Diamondbacks and Dodgers Face Off on MLB Opening Day

The Arizona Diamondbacks travel to Dodger Stadium to take on the defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers.

Mar. 26, 2026 at 10:51pm

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The 2026 MLB regular season kicks off with an opening day matchup between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. The Diamondbacks, who last won their division in 2011, will look to pull off an upset against the star-studded Dodgers, who are aiming to defend their 2025 World Series title.

Why it matters

This is a high-profile opening day matchup between two NL West rivals. The Diamondbacks are hoping to make a push for the playoffs, while the Dodgers are expected to be one of the top teams in baseball again this season as they try to repeat as champions.

The details

The Diamondbacks made some key offseason moves, trading for Nolan Arenado and signing Carlos Santana as a free agent to bolster their lineup. Meanwhile, the Dodgers' biggest offseason acquisition was outfielder Kyle Tucker, who made the All-Star team and won a Silver Slugger award last season with the Chicago Cubs.

  • The game will take place on Thursday, March 26th, 2026.
  • First pitch is scheduled for 8:30 PM ET.

The players

Nolan Arenado

A veteran third baseman acquired by the Diamondbacks in a trade this offseason to help boost their lineup.

Carlos Santana

A free agent signing by the Diamondbacks this offseason to provide additional power and experience to their batting order.

Kyle Tucker

The Dodgers' big offseason acquisition, a 29-year-old outfielder who made the All-Star team and won a Silver Slugger award with the Cubs last season.

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What they’re saying

“We must be ready to face one of the toughest lineups in baseball on opening day. The Dodgers are the defending champs for a reason.”

— Torey Lovullo, Manager, Arizona Diamondbacks

“Our goal is to come out and make a statement on opening day. We have the talent to repeat as champions, but we can't take anything for granted.”

— Dave Roberts, Manager, Los Angeles Dodgers

What’s next

The Diamondbacks and Dodgers will play a three-game series to open the season, with the next two games scheduled for Friday, March 27th and Saturday, March 28th.

The takeaway

This opening day matchup between the Diamondbacks and Dodgers showcases the competitive nature of the NL West division. The Diamondbacks are looking to make a statement and end their division title drought, while the Dodgers aim to defend their World Series crown and remain atop the division.