If you’re checking your watch and wondering what time do the Dodgers play today, I have to be the bearer of slightly quiet news: there is no game today, January 17, 2026.
We’re currently in that weird, chilly limbo of the MLB offseason. It’s the "hot stove" months. While the diamond at Chavez Ravine is empty and the grass is probably getting some much-needed R&R, the front office is doing anything but sleeping. Honestly, being a Dodgers fan in January is almost as exhausting as October, just with more refreshing Twitter (or X, whatever) and less high-leverage stress.
When does the real action start?
You aren't going to have to wait much longer. The countdown is officially in the double digits.
The Dodgers are scheduled to kick off their 2026 Spring Training campaign on February 21, 2026. They’ll be facing off against the Los Angeles Angels at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Arizona. That first game usually starts around 1:10 PM PT, though you’ll want to check the local Cactus League listings as we get closer because Arizona time is a law unto itself.
But if you are looking for the "real" games—the ones that count toward the standings—mark March 26, 2026 on your calendar.
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Opening Day 2026 Details
The Dodgers will host the Arizona Diamondbacks for the home opener at Dodger Stadium. This isn't just any game; it's a massive national spotlight event.
- Date: Thursday, March 26, 2026
- Time: 8:00 PM PT (Tentative for National TV)
- Broadcast: NBC/Peacock (Part of a special Opening Day doubleheader)
It’s going to be a scene. The 2024 World Champions (who are still very much the center of the baseball universe in 2026) will be raising yet another banner. Expect the 110 freeway to be a parking lot by 3:00 PM.
Why isn't there a game today?
Baseball is a grind. 162 games is a lot of wear and tear on the human body. Right now, players like Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts are likely in the middle of their personalized winter strength programs.
January 17 is basically the peak of "roster construction season." Instead of checking scores, fans are checking trade rumors. Just today, reports are swirling about the Dodgers' interest in keeping Teoscar Hernandez or potentially clearing roster spots for younger prospects like Alex Freeland.
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It’s the "business" side of the game. It’s why the Dodgers have been able to stay so dominant—they play the "front office game" just as well as the "field game."
Key Dates for the 2026 Dodgers Season
If you're trying to plan your life around the Blue Crew, here are the heavy hitters for the upcoming season.
- Pitchers and Catchers Report: Expect this around February 13, 2026.
- First Full Squad Workout: February 17, 2026. This is when the vibes truly return.
- World Baseball Classic (WBC) Exhibition: March 4, 2026. The Dodgers will actually play the Mexico national team at Camelback Ranch. That’s going to be an electric atmosphere for an exhibition.
- Jackie Robinson Day: April 15, 2026. They’ll be at home against the New York Mets. It’s arguably the most important day on the Dodgers' calendar every year.
- The New York Trip: July 17-19, 2026. The Dodgers head to Yankee Stadium for a massive Interleague series. If you’re a fan on the East Coast, this is your Super Bowl.
How to watch the Dodgers in 2026
The broadcast landscape is... messy. Kinda feels like you need five different subscriptions just to see a home run these days.
Most games will still live on SportsNet LA. If you're in the Los Angeles market, that’s your home base. However, 2026 is seeing a massive push into streaming. NBC and Peacock have picked up a significant chunk of games, including that Opening Night spectacular against the D-backs.
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For the out-of-market fans, MLB.TV is still the go-to, though blackouts remain the bane of every fan's existence. Honestly, it’s worth keeping an eye on the schedule because "what time do the Dodgers play" often depends on whether Apple TV+ or Roku has decided to snag the exclusive rights for a random Friday night.
What to do while you wait for February
Since there's no game today, you've got some time to kill.
You could head down to the Dodger Stadium Top of the Park store. It’s open daily even when there aren't games. It’s a great way to get your fix of the view without the 50,000-person crowd. Plus, they usually have the newest Spring Training gear out by now.
Another move? Re-watch some 2024 highlights. Never gets old.
The 2026 season is shaping up to be another "win-now" year. With the "balanced schedule" in full effect, the Dodgers will play at least one series against every single team in MLB. That means you’ll get to see teams like the Baltimore Orioles and Cleveland Guardians at Dodger Stadium this year, which doesn't happen every season.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check your favorite ticket app (SeatGeek or Vivid Seats) for Spring Training tickets in Glendale. They are significantly cheaper than regular-season games and offer way more player access. If you're staying local, set a calendar alert for late February to grab single-game tickets for the April homestands before the Opening Day hype drives prices into the stratosphere.