You’re staring at your phone, refreshing the schedule, and wondering why the heck you can’t find a first pitch for the Los Angeles Dodgers today. Honestly, it’s a bit of a tease. We’re deep into January, the "Hot Stove" is absolutely roaring, and the cravings for Dodger Stadium nachos are hitting a fever pitch. But here is the cold, hard reality: there is no dodgers game today time to give you because the boys in blue are still deep in the offseason.
It’s currently January 18, 2026. If you’re looking for live baseball today, you’re about a month too early for the Cactus League and two months shy of the games that actually "count." While the NFL is busy with the Divisional Round of the playoffs—with the Rams and Bears set for a 6:30 p.m. ET kickoff tonight—Dodger Stadium is currently a very expensive, very beautiful ghost town.
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When Do the Dodgers Actually Play?
If you want to circle a date on your calendar with actual ink, February 21, 2026, is your target. That is the official start of the Dodgers' Spring Training schedule. They open things up at Tempe Diablo Stadium against the Los Angeles Angels. Usually, these games start around 1:05 p.m. or 1:10 p.m. local time, which is basically the sweet spot for taking a "long lunch" and watching Shohei Ohtani or the newly acquired Kyle Tucker take a few hacks.
Speaking of Tucker, the news cycle has been insane. If you missed it, the Dodgers just solidified their status as the "Evil Empire" of the West by reportedly signing the All-Star outfielder. It’s the kind of move that makes the rest of the NL West just want to pack it up and head home before the season even starts.
The 2026 Countdown
- Pitchers and Catchers Report: Expect the battery to arrive at Camelback Ranch around February 13.
- Full Squad Workouts: The whole gang should be together by February 17.
- Cactus League Opener: February 21 at 1:10 p.m. PT vs. the Angels.
- Regular Season Opening Day: March 26 vs. the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium.
The "Hot Stove" is the Only Game in Town Today
Since there isn't a game on TV, the "game" is currently happening in the front offices. Andrew Friedman is apparently not done yet. Rumors are flying today, January 18, that the Dodgers are getting "increasingly intense" in their pursuit of Milwaukee Brewers’ right-hander Freddy Peralta.
Imagine a rotation that already features the likes of Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Tyler Glasnow, and then you go and add a strikeout machine like Peralta. It’s almost unfair. MLB insider Hector Gomez has been tracking this, and while the Yankees and Mets are supposedly in the mix, we all know how the Dodgers usually finish these races. They don't just win; they overwhelm.
Why the 2026 Schedule is Different
This year is a bit of a weird one because of the World Baseball Classic (WBC). On March 4, the Dodgers have a fascinating exhibition game scheduled at Camelback Ranch against the Mexico national team. That one is set for 1:05 p.m. and will probably feel more like a playoff game than a spring tune-up given the atmosphere Mexican fans bring to the stadium.
Then you’ve got the regular season. For the first time in what feels like forever, the Dodgers aren't starting the year on some international tour in Korea or Australia. They are staying put. Opening Day is March 26 at Chavez Ravine against Arizona. That game is tentatively set for 8:30 p.m. ET (5:30 p.m. local time), and it’s going to be a madhouse.
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Breaking Down the Dodgers Game Today Time Misconception
Usually, when people search for the game time this early, they’re either super fans who lost track of the month (hey, it happens to the best of us) or they’re looking for ticket releases.
If you are trying to buy tickets, single-game seats for the regular season typically don't go on wide sale until closer to February. However, "My Dodgers" members and season ticket holders are already moving pieces around. If you’re looking at secondary markets like SeatGeek or StubHub right now, you’ll see Opening Day tickets listed for upwards of $360. Yeah, it’s pricey to be a fan of a dynasty.
Realistically, what can you watch today?
If you absolutely need a Dodgers fix today, you’re looking at classic replays on SportsNet LA or diving into YouTube highlights of the 2024 World Series run. There is no live action. The stadium is quiet. The grass is likely being pampered to perfection for that March 26 debut.
Actionable Steps for Dodgers Fans
Since you can't watch a game today, here is how you should actually spend your time to prepare for the 2026 season:
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- Check the Spring Training Broadcast Schedule: SportsNet LA usually carries almost every Cactus League game. Mark February 21 on your DVR so you don't miss the first look at the 2026 roster.
- Monitor the Freddy Peralta Trade: This is the big "live" news. If this trade goes down today or tomorrow, it changes the entire depth chart of the pitching staff.
- Plan Your Opening Day Logistics: If you’re going to the March 26 opener against the D-backs, start looking at parking passes now. We all know the nightmare that is the Academy Road entrance at 5:00 p.m. on a Thursday.
- Update Your MLB App: Make sure your notifications are set for "Breaking News" specifically for the Dodgers. With the Kyle Tucker signing still fresh, the roster moves are coming fast and furious.
There is no dodgers game today time to worry about, so take a breath. Enjoy the NFL playoffs. Baseball is coming, and based on the way this roster is looking, 2026 is going to be one for the history books.