MLB Probable Pitchers Today: Top Matchups for March 31, 2026

Shohei Ohtani, Jacob deGrom, and Shane McClanahan headline the pitching slate on Opening Day

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:05am

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A fragmented, geometric painting in bold colors depicting the motion and intensity of baseball pitchers on the mound, with no identifiable faces or logos.A cubist-inspired illustration captures the dynamic energy and multiple perspectives of baseball's Opening Day pitching matchups.Los Angeles Today

MLB's opening day slate on March 31, 2026 features several marquee pitching matchups, including Shohei Ohtani taking the mound for the Dodgers, Jacob deGrom making his season debut for the Rangers, and Shane McClanahan returning from Tommy John surgery to start for the Rays.

Why it matters

The first day of the MLB season is always highly anticipated, and this year's slate of probable pitchers features some of the league's top arms facing off in key early-season matchups. Fans and bettors will be closely watching to see how these aces perform in their season debuts.

The details

Ohtani will look to continue his home dominance on the mound when the Dodgers host the Guardians, while deGrom makes his first start of 2026 after being scratched last week due to neck stiffness. McClanahan, who missed all of 2025 after undergoing Tommy John surgery, will take the mound for the Rays against the Brewers and their own ace, Brandon Woodruff.

  • Ohtani's start is scheduled for 10:10 PM ET.
  • deGrom's start is scheduled for 6:35 PM ET.
  • McClanahan's start is scheduled for 7:40 PM ET.

The players

Shohei Ohtani

The two-way superstar for the Los Angeles Dodgers, known for his dominant pitching and prodigious power at the plate.

Jacob deGrom

The veteran right-hander making his season debut for the Texas Rangers after being scratched last week with neck stiffness.

Shane McClanahan

The Tampa Bay Rays' ace making his return to the mound after missing the 2025 season due to Tommy John surgery.

Brandon Woodruff

The Milwaukee Brewers' starting pitcher who will oppose McClanahan, coming off a strong 2025 campaign.

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What they’re saying

“Ohtani can be unhittable at home, and the Guardians will have their hands full trying to solve him on Opening Day.”

— Steve Buchanan, MLB Analyst

“deGrom is one of the best pitchers in the game when healthy, and his return to the mound is must-watch TV for any baseball fan.”

— Steve Buchanan, MLB Analyst

“McClanahan has looked sharp in Spring Training, and his matchup with Woodruff could be one of the best pitching duels of the day.”

— Steve Buchanan, MLB Analyst

What’s next

Fans and bettors will be closely monitoring these pitching matchups throughout the day, with Ohtani, deGrom, and McClanahan's performances sure to be a major storyline heading into the rest of the MLB season.

The takeaway

Opening Day is always an exciting time for baseball, and this year's slate of probable pitchers features some of the game's biggest stars facing off in must-see matchups. Fans and bettors alike will be tuning in to see how these aces perform in their season debuts.