So, you're sitting there, maybe checking your phone or glancing at the calendar, wondering what time is Dodgers game tonight, and you realize something feels off. It is January 15, 2026. If you're looking for a live game right this second, I’ve got some news that might be a bummer: there isn’t one.
We are currently in the deep "dark zone" of the MLB offseason. No crack of the bat. No Vin Scully memories playing over the stadium speakers in real-time. Just a lot of Hot Stove rumors and fans refreshing Twitter to see if the front office is going to pull off another massive trade.
Honestly, it’s that weird middle ground where the holiday high has worn off, but the smell of fresh-cut grass in Arizona is still over a month away. If you're a die-hard fan, you've probably already started counting down the days until the equipment trucks head out to Camelback Ranch.
When Does The Action Actually Start?
Since there isn't a game tonight, your next real chance to catch the Blue Crew is during Spring Training. The 2026 Cactus League schedule is already set. The Dodgers are slated to open their spring campaign on February 21, 2026.
They’ll be facing off against the Los Angeles Angels at Tempe Diablo Stadium. That game is scheduled for a 1:10 PM PT start. It’s a Saturday, so it’s basically the perfect excuse to ignore your chores and watch some prospects try to make the 40-man roster.
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If you’re waiting for the regular season to start—the games that actually count—you have a bit longer to wait. The official 2026 Opening Day for the Dodgers is March 26, 2026. They’ll be at home at Dodger Stadium taking on the Arizona Diamondbacks. The first pitch for that home opener is currently penned in for 5:30 PM PT.
Key Dates for Your 2026 Calendar
- February 20: Pitchers and catchers usually have their first official workouts around this week.
- February 21: First Cactus League game vs. Angels (1:10 PM PT).
- March 4: A special exhibition game against the Mexico National Team (1:05 PM PT). This is part of the 2026 World Baseball Classic lead-up.
- March 22-24: The Freeway Series. These are those final tune-up games played in local stadiums before the season starts.
- March 26: Regular Season Opener vs. Arizona (5:30 PM PT).
Why People Get Confused About Dodgers Game Times
I see it every year. People search for what time is Dodgers game tonight in the middle of January because the news cycle never stops. Between the 2024 World Series win and the massive contracts handed out over the last couple of seasons, the Dodgers are a 365-day-a-year topic.
Also, the 2026 schedule is a little different because of the World Baseball Classic (WBC). That tournament shakes up the normal rhythm of Spring Training. You’ll see some "split-squad" games where half the team is in one city and half is in another. Plus, several star players will be leaving camp to play for their home countries.
If you're checking for a game and seeing something listed for "tonight" in January, it’s almost certainly a replay on SportsNet LA or a mislabeled "classic" game on a streaming service. Don't let the "Live" tag on a YouTube thumbnail fool you; it's likely a simulation or a re-broadcast.
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What To Do Until Spring Training
Since you can't watch a game tonight, what’s a fan supposed to do?
First, keep an eye on the "Spring Breakout" game. This is a relatively new tradition where the top prospects from each organization play each other. The Dodgers’ youngsters are scheduled to play the White Sox prospects on March 21. It’s basically a sneak peek at the future of the franchise.
Second, check the ticket situation. Single-game tickets for the regular season usually go on sale later in the winter. If you're planning on being at Dodger Stadium for Jackie Robinson Day (April 15 vs. the Mets), you’ll want to be ready the second those tickets drop.
How to Check Game Times Later This Season
Once we hit April, the answer to what time is Dodgers game tonight becomes a lot more consistent, but there are still some traps.
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The Dodgers play a "balanced schedule" now. This means they play every team in MLB at least once. Because of this, they have way more East Coast road trips than they used to.
When they’re playing the Yankees or the Mets away, those games are going to start at 4:00 PM or 4:10 PM PT. If you’re used to the standard 7:10 PM PT home starts, you’re going to miss the first five innings if you don't check the schedule.
Always look for the "PT" or "ET" designation. It sounds simple, but every season a few thousand fans in L.A. tune in at 7:00 PM only to realize the game is already in the 8th inning because it was played in Toronto or Baltimore.
Quick Tip for 2026
Most weekday home games will stick to the 7:10 PM PT start time.
Saturday games are the "wild card" because they often get picked up by FOX or ESPN. Those can start anywhere from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Sunday afternoon games at Chavez Ravine are almost always 1:10 PM PT, unless it's the Sunday Night Baseball game on ESPN, which usually starts around 4:00 PM PT.
Actionable Steps for Dodgers Fans Today
Even though there isn't a game tonight, you can stay ahead of the curve. Here is exactly what you should do to prep for the 2026 season:
- Sync your digital calendar. Go to the official MLB website and download the Dodgers' schedule directly into your Google or Apple calendar. It will automatically update with time changes and TV broadcast info.
- Verify your TV provider. With regional sports networks always in flux, make sure you still have access to SportsNet LA before the first Spring Training game on February 21.
- Plan your Spring Training trip now. If you're heading to Arizona, Camelback Ranch tickets for the Dodgers vs. Cubs (February 28) or the Mexico exhibition (March 4) will sell out fast.
- Mark March 26. That’s the real answer you’re looking for. The quest for another ring starts at 5:30 PM PT against the D-backs.
Stay patient. The offseason is long, but February is just around the corner.