So, you’re checking the clock. You’ve got the jersey ready, maybe you’re craving a Dodger Dog, and you’re wondering exactly what time Dodgers play today.
Here is the quick, honest truth: They aren't playing today.
It’s January 17, 2026. Right now, the boys in blue are deep in the heart of the offseason. If you look at the field at Dodger Stadium today, you won't see Shohei Ohtani at the plate or Yoshinobu Yamamoto on the mound. You’ll see a quiet stadium or maybe a grounds crew prep team. Baseball is a seasonal beast. Even for the defending World Series champions, January is for rest, high-level training, and front-office deals—not for live games.
When Do the Dodgers Actually Take the Field?
If you were hoping for a game tonight, I know that’s a letdown. But the wait isn’t actually that long. We are basically on the doorstep of Spring Training.
The first time you can actually watch them play an opponent is February 21, 2026. That’s the Cactus League opener. They’ll be taking on the Los Angeles Angels at Tempe Diablo Stadium. That game is set for 12:10 PM PST.
💡 You might also like: El Salvador partido de hoy: Why La Selecta is at a Critical Turning Point
Usually, these early spring games don't have the "win or die" energy of October, but for fans who have been starving for baseball since November, that noon start time is going to feel like a holiday.
Key Dates for Your 2026 Calendar
Since there’s no game today, you might as well get your schedule synced up for when things actually get moving. The MLB released the 2026 schedule back in August, and it’s a weird one because it starts earlier than almost any season in history.
- February 13, 2026: Pitchers and Catchers report. This is the "soft launch" of the season.
- February 17, 2026: First full squad workout at Camelback Ranch.
- February 21, 2026: The first exhibition game vs. the Angels.
- March 26, 2026: Opening Day.
That March 26 date is the big one. It’s the earliest traditional Opening Day ever. The Dodgers will be hosting the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. The first pitch for that game is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET (5:00 PM PT), and it’s going to be a national broadcast on NBC and Peacock.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Offseason
People often think "no game" means "no news." Honestly, that couldn't be further from the truth. While you aren't searching for a start time today, the front office is working overtime.
📖 Related: Meaning of Grand Slam: Why We Use It for Tennis, Baseball, and Breakfast
The Dodgers are currently in the middle of a quest for a three-peat. Coming off that 2024 championship, the pressure is immense. Just yesterday, news broke about the team’s interest in various free agents to bolster the bullpen. They recently signed Edwin Diaz to a massive three-year deal, which basically set the market for relievers this winter.
If you're looking for "Dodgers action" today, it’s all happening in the rumors and the trade talks. It’s about roster depth and the World Baseball Classic (WBC) prep. Speaking of the WBC, that’s going to make this upcoming Spring Training feel a little different. A lot of the stars will be leaving camp in March to play for their national teams, so those early February games will be your best chance to see the full roster together before they scatter.
Looking Ahead to the Regular Season
When the real games start in late March, the timing is going to vary wildly. MLB’s balanced schedule means the Dodgers play every single team in the league at least once.
If they're playing on the East Coast against the Yankees (which happens in July this year), you're looking at 4:00 PM PT starts. If they're at home, you’re usually looking at that classic 7:10 PM local time.
👉 See also: NFL Week 5 2025 Point Spreads: What Most People Get Wrong
The 2026 season is also packed with "holiday" games. They're playing at home for Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, Father’s Day, and even the 4th of July. The July 4th game is a night game against the San Diego Padres—scheduled for 7:00 PM PT—which is basically peak Dodgers atmosphere.
How to Stay Ready for the First Pitch
Since there is no game to watch this afternoon, here is what you can actually do to prep for the return of baseball:
- Check the Spring Training Ticket Map: Games at Camelback Ranch sell out faster than they used to. If you’re planning a trip to Arizona for the February 23 home opener against Seattle, you need to look at seats now.
- Verify Your TV Subscription: With the shift in broadcasting rights, many games in 2026 are moving to Peacock and NBC. Make sure your logins actually work before March 26 rolls around.
- Monitor the Injury Report: Keep an eye on the recovery timelines for the pitching staff. The "start time" for a game doesn't matter if your favorite pitcher is on the 60-day IL.
- Update Your Gear: Most fans wait until Opening Day to realize their favorite hat is thrashed.
The wait for Dodgers baseball is almost over. While the stadium is dark tonight, the countdown to February 21 is officially under 40 days. Clear your schedule for that Saturday afternoon—noon in Arizona, baseball is back.