Dodgers schedule this week: Why January at Chavez Ravine is different this year

You’d think mid-January would be a ghost town at Dodger Stadium. Usually, it's just the sound of the wind whipping through the empty pavilions and the occasional groundskeeper prepping the grass for the spring. But this week? Things feel a little more electric.

While the actual "games" don't start for a while, the dodgers schedule this week is basically the heartbeat of the Hot Stove season. We are officially in that weird, wonderful gap where the front office is doing more work than the players. Honestly, if you’re looking for a Tuesday night box score, you’re about a month too early. But if you’re looking for when the reigning World Series champs are finally getting back to work, the calendar just got very real.

No games yet, but the countdown is officially on

Let's be clear: there are no MLB games on the dodgers schedule this week. It’s January 14. The boys are mostly still at home or working out at private facilities. However, we just got the massive news that the first "real" date on the calendar is Friday, February 13. That’s when pitchers and catchers report to Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Arizona.

If you're a fan who lives for the sound of the ball hitting the mitt, you've basically got four weeks of waiting left. The full squad doesn't pull into camp until Tuesday, February 17. It’s a bit of a wait. I know.

But here is what is actually happening right now:

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• Roster Shuffling: The front office is reportedly eyeing a move for Bo Bichette. This is the kind of stuff that happens behind closed doors while we're all checking our phones for updates.
• The 40-Man Crunch: To make room for any new stars, guys like Brock Stewart might be on the move. It's a brutal part of the business, but that’s the "schedule" for the front office this week.
• International Free Agency: The window just opened. The Dodgers are always big players here, and the scouts are earning their paychecks right now.

What's the deal with DodgerFest 2026?

If you were hoping to see Shohei Ohtani or Mookie Betts in person this week, you’re out of luck. But you don't have to wait until Arizona. The team just confirmed that DodgerFest 2026 is happening on Saturday, January 31.

It’s basically the biggest party in LA before the season starts. They start it at 9:00 a.m. at Dodger Stadium. You get the yard sale, the mystery bags (which usually have some insane autographed gear), and the main stage interviews. Joe Davis and Stephen Nelson are hosting it again. Expect the big three—Ohtani, Freeman, and Betts—to be there. It’s the first time they’ll really be together as a group to talk about defending that 2025 title.

Tickets are usually cheap, or sometimes even free depending on your membership status, but they go fast. If you're planning your month, that’s the date to circle in red.

Looking ahead: When do the actual games start?

I know why you're here. You want to know when the dodgers schedule this week finally turns into actual baseball. It’s closer than you think.

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The spring training opener is set for Saturday, February 21. They’re playing the Angels at Tempe Diablo Stadium. It’s a road game, but it’s the first time we’ll see the 2026 jersey on the field. The home opener at Camelback Ranch is February 23 against the Mariners.

The regular season is where it gets crazy. This year is special because the MLB is back on NBC. The Dodgers are actually hosting the only primetime game on Opening Day.

Opening Week 2026 Highlights:

1. March 26: Home Opener vs. Arizona Diamondbacks. This is an 8:00 p.m. start on NBC. They’ll be raising the World Series banner. It’s going to be emotional.
2. March 27-28: Continuing the series against the D-backs at Chavez Ravine.
3. March 30: The Cleveland Guardians come to town.

It’s the earliest "traditional" Opening Day in the history of the sport. We're talking late March, so the weather should be perfect.

The roster drama you need to watch right now

While the players aren't on the field, the "game" this week is all about the roster. There’s a lot of talk about the outfield. Right now, the Dodgers have Andy Pages and Teoscar Hernandez locked in, but that third spot? It’s a total toss-up.

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Keep an eye on Ryan Ward. He was the PCL MVP last year and basically destroyed Triple-A pitching. He’s battling guys like Alex Call and Michael Siani for a spot on that 40-man. If the Dodgers don't sign another big-name outfielder this week, it means they’re probably going to let these guys fight it out in March.

Then there's the pitching. The Dodgers have a "good problem"—too many arms. With guys like Landon Knack and Will Klein pushing for innings, the front office has to decide who stays and who gets traded for more infield depth.

Actionable steps for Dodgers fans this week

Since you can't watch a game today, here is how you stay ahead of the curve:

• Check the Ticketmaster secondary market: Spring training tickets for the February 21 opener are already hovering around $52. If you're planning a trip to Arizona, buy them now before the "Ohtani Tax" kicks in and prices double.
• Set a reminder for January 31: That’s DodgerFest. If you want those "Mystery Bags" with the autographed balls, you have to be at the stadium the moment the gates open at 9:00 a.m.
• Monitor the 40-man roster: Follow the transactions on the official MLB site. If you see a "Designated for Assignment" notice this week, it usually means a trade or a big signing is about 24 hours away.
• Download the MLB app: Specifically for the Spring Training schedule. They just updated the broadcast times, and a lot of the March games will be on Peacock or NBC this year, not just SportsNet LA.

Baseball is coming. The "dodgers schedule this week" might look empty on the surface, but the engine is definitely starting to hum. Get your gear ready; February is going to be here before you know it.