Dodgers and Yankees Off to Impressive Starts, Ohtani and Judge Heating Up

The Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees are dominating early in the season as their star players begin to find their groove.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 1:25pm

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The Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees have both gotten off to strong starts to the 2026 MLB season, with their star players like Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge starting to heat up at the plate. The Dodgers' quartet of sluggers, including Ohtani, Kyle Tucker, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, struggled early but have since broken out, scoring 31 runs in three games against the Washington Nationals. The Yankees, meanwhile, have allowed just 15 runs on the season and have seen contributions from throughout their lineup, including a stolen base from Giancarlo Stanton. Both teams are poised for big seasons as they look to make deep playoff runs.

Why it matters

The early-season success of the Dodgers and Yankees is significant as they are two of the premier franchises in baseball. Their strong starts and the emergence of their star players like Ohtani and Judge will only heighten the anticipation and excitement around the 2026 MLB season. These teams are expected to be among the top contenders for the World Series, so their performance in the opening weeks could set the tone for the rest of the year.

The details

The Dodgers' quartet of sluggers - Ohtani, Tucker, Betts and Freeman - struggled in the first week of the season, but then broke out in a big way, scoring 31 runs in three games against the Washington Nationals. Ohtani, who hadn't driven in a run until Friday, then homered in that game and again on Sunday, while also recording three straight multi-hit games. The Yankees, meanwhile, have allowed just 15 runs on the season and have seen contributions from throughout their lineup, including a stolen base from Giancarlo Stanton. Cam Schlittler has made two scoreless starts for the Yankees, who are 7-2 on the year.

  • The Dodgers posted 31 runs in three games against the Washington Nationals.
  • Shohei Ohtani homered on Friday and Sunday after not driving in a run until then.
  • The Yankees have allowed just 15 runs on the season before a 7-6 loss to Miami on Sunday.

The players

Shohei Ohtani

A two-way star for the Los Angeles Dodgers who is one of the best players in baseball.

Aaron Judge

The star outfielder for the New York Yankees who is one of the most dominant hitters in the game.

Kyle Tucker

An outfielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers and one of the team's top sluggers.

Mookie Betts

An All-Star outfielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers who is one of the best all-around players in the league.

Freddie Freeman

A veteran first baseman for the Los Angeles Dodgers and one of the team's key offensive contributors.

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What’s next

The Dodgers will head to Toronto for a three-game series against the Blue Jays, the first meeting between the teams since the Dodgers beat the Blue Jays in Game 7 of the World Series in Canada last year.

The takeaway

The strong starts by the Dodgers and Yankees, along with the emergence of stars like Ohtani and Judge, have set the stage for an exciting 2026 MLB season. These two powerhouse franchises are poised to be among the top contenders for the World Series, and their early-season success has only heightened the anticipation around the league.