Right now, you're probably looking at your phone, checking the weather in Phoenix, and wondering if it's finally time to head down to Chase Field. We've all been there. The itch for baseball usually starts right around the time the holiday decorations come down and the reality of winter (even a mild Arizona one) sets in. But if you are asking do the Diamondbacks play today, the answer is a bit of a "good news, bad news" situation.
No. They aren't playing a game today, January 17, 2026.
Honestly, we are still in that weird dead zone of the MLB calendar where the hot stove is bubbling but the diamond is empty. The players are mostly doing individual workouts, the front office is busy haggling over arbitration numbers, and the grass at Salt River Fields is probably getting its final trim before the chaos begins. But don't click away just yet. While there's no box score to check tonight, the wheels for the 2026 season are spinning faster than a Zac Gallen curveball.
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When does the wait actually end?
The question of do the Diamondbacks play today is one I get a lot this time of year from friends who just want to sit in the sun with a hot dog. We have a few weeks left of this quiet period.
The real action starts on February 20, 2026. That is when the Diamondbacks officially kick off their Cactus League schedule. They'll be the "visiting" team against the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Since both teams share that facility, it's basically a home game for everyone involved.
If you're a die-hard who needs to see the guys in uniform before that, you should circle February 10 on your calendar. That is when pitchers and catchers are expected to report to spring training. There is something kinda therapeutic about watching a group of guys play catch in the morning sun after a long winter, even if it's not a "real" game.
The 2026 Spring Training Highlights
Once the games actually start in late February, the schedule gets busy fast. Here is a look at what the first week looks like for the Snakes:
- Friday, Feb 20: @ Colorado Rockies (The opener)
- Saturday, Feb 21: vs Colorado Rockies (The "home" opener)
- Sunday, Feb 22: vs Los Angeles Angels
- Monday, Feb 23: @ Cleveland Guardians (Goodyear Ballpark)
- Tuesday, Feb 24: @ Texas Rangers (Surprise Stadium)
It's a grind, but it’s the best kind of grind. This year is also a bit unique because of the 2026 World Baseball Classic. On March 3, the D-backs will host an exhibition game against Team Mexico. If you've never been to a WBC-related game in Phoenix, the atmosphere is electric. It feels less like a spring training game and more like a playoff matchup in October.
Why the Diamondbacks schedule looks different this year
If you were hoping for a game today, you've probably noticed that the off-season feels a bit different. General Manager Mike Hazen hasn't been sitting on his hands. Just a few days ago, on January 15, the team signed veteran reliever Taylor Clarke to a one-year deal. It's a reunion of sorts, as Clarke was originally drafted by Arizona back in 2015.
Adding depth to the bullpen is the name of the game right now. While you won't see them on the field today, the front office is banking on these small moves to avoid the late-season collapse that plagued the team recently. They missed the playoffs for the second straight year in 2025, and the pressure is on Torey Lovullo in his tenth season as manager to right the ship.
Key Roster Dates
While you're waiting for the first pitch, keep an eye on these milestones:
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- International Signing Period: Started on January 15. This is where the future stars are found.
- Pitchers and Catchers Report: Feb 10-12.
- Full Squad Workouts: Usually start by Feb 15.
- The 2026 Home Opener: March 30 against the Detroit Tigers.
How to stay ready for Opening Day
Since the answer to do the Diamondbacks play today is a firm no, what are you supposed to do with your evening? Most fans are spending this time watching the "Hot Stove" news or catching up on prospect rankings.
The regular season officially begins on March 26, 2026. The D-backs are starting on the road this year, heading to Los Angeles to face the Dodgers. It's a tough draw to start the year against the defending World Series champs, but it’ll give us an immediate look at whether the off-season additions actually worked.
The home opener at Chase Field follows on March 30. It’s an interleague series against the Tigers, which is a bit of a departure from the traditional divisional openers we used to see.
Actionable steps for D-backs fans
If you're itching for baseball and can't wait for February, here is what you should actually do right now:
Check your ticket apps for Spring Training seats. Prices for the opener at Salt River Fields on Feb 20 are already starting around $33. They tend to go up as the date gets closer, especially for the weekend games against the Dodgers or Cubs.
Make sure your local cable or streaming setup is ready for the new season. Most games will still be on MLB.tv and local providers like YurView Arizona, but with the way sports media is changing, it's worth double-checking your subscription before the first pitch in March.
Keep a close eye on the waiver wire and minor league transactions. The signing of Taylor Clarke and the designation of Gus Varland show that the roster is still very much in flux. Every move made in mid-January is a piece of the puzzle for what the team will look like when they finally do take the field.