Right now, if you're looking for the first pitch time or trying to figure out which channel to turn on for a live game, there's a quick reality check we need to get out of the way. Today is January 15, 2026. The Dodgers are not playing a game today.
It’s the dead of winter. Chavez Ravine is quiet. The boys in blue are basically in "waiting mode" just like we are. But if you’re asking what time is the dodgers playing today because you're planning your calendar for the 2026 season, or you're itching for that first Spring Training broadcast, I’ve got the full breakdown of when the silence finally ends.
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The Long Wait for Spring Training
Honestly, the "offseason" feels longer every year, especially when you're coming off a year where the Dodgers once again dominated the headlines. While there’s no game today, the countdown to Arizona is officially on.
The Dodgers are scheduled to open their Cactus League play at Camelback Ranch very soon. Mark your calendar for Saturday, February 21, 2026. That is the actual answer for when the "today" in your search query becomes a reality.
That first game against the Los Angeles Angels is a 1:10 PM MST (12:10 PM PST) start. It’s the classic Freeway Series appetizer, just out in the desert heat instead of the 5 freeway traffic.
When the Real Games Start: Opening Day 2026
If you don't count the exhibition games or the split-squad chaos of March, the question of what time is the dodgers playing today really matters most on March 26, 2026.
That’s Opening Day.
The Dodgers are hosting the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. MLB has gone early this year—this is the earliest "traditional" Opening Day in the history of the sport. We’re looking at an 8:30 PM Eastern / 5:30 PM Pacific start time for that home opener. It’s going to be a massive night, especially since NBC has picked up the prime-time rights for it.
Key Times for the Early 2026 Season
Here is how the schedule is actually shaking out for those first few weeks:
- March 26 (Opening Day): 5:30 PM PST vs. Arizona
- March 27: 7:10 PM PST vs. Arizona
- March 28: 6:10 PM PST vs. Arizona
- March 30: 7:10 PM PST vs. Cleveland (The start of the Interleague slate)
Notice a pattern? The Dodgers love those 7:10 PM local starts for weeknight games. It gives the fans just enough time to battle the Glendale or Santa Monica traffic to get into their seats by the second inning. Sorta.
Why Everyone is Searching for Dodgers News Today
Even though there isn't a game on the field, today—January 15—is actually a huge day for the front office. It’s International Amateur Signing Day.
While you aren't watching Shohei Ohtani hit bombs today, the Dodgers just landed OF Rubel Arias and SS Ezequiel Melburne. Arias is the big name here, a 17-year-old from the Dominican Republic who just got a nearly million-dollar signing bonus.
Also, the Kyle Tucker rumors are reaching a fever pitch. Reports are swirling that the Dodgers are in a three-way tug-of-war with the Mets and Blue Jays for his services. If that deal happens today, the "what time do they play" question won't matter nearly as much as "where does he fit in the lineup?"
How to Watch the Dodgers in 2026
The broadcast landscape has shifted a bit. You've probably heard that MLB secured a new rights deal involving ESPN, NBC, and Netflix.
For the first time in forever, NBC is back in the regular rotation. They are targeting four specific Dodgers games for "Prime Time" spots this year.
- March 26 vs. Arizona
- July 5 vs. San Diego (7:00 PM)
- July 19 @ New York Yankees (7:00 PM)
- August 2 vs. Boston Red Sox (7:00 PM)
The rest of the time? You're still looking at SportsNet LA for the local broadcasts, unless it's a Sunday Night Baseball slot on NBC/Peacock or one of those random Friday night games on Apple TV+.
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The Jackie Robinson Day Tradition
One date you can always bank on for a specific time is April 15. The Dodgers will be home against the New York Mets for Jackie Robinson Day. Because it’s a national celebration, expect that to be a 7:10 PM PST start, likely with a heavy national broadcast presence. It’s the 65th anniversary of the stadium hosting a home opener this year, too, so the pageantry is going to be dialed up to eleven.
Practical Steps for Fans
Since there’s no game today, here is what you should actually do to stay ready:
- Sync your digital calendar: Download the official 2026 schedule from the MLB app now. It auto-updates for those weird time changes or rainouts (rare as they are in LA).
- Check your subscription: If you’ve cut the cord, make sure your streaming service still carries SportsNet LA or check if the new NBC/Peacock deals affect your viewing area.
- Watch the International Signings: Keep an eye on the prospect trackers today. The kids signed today are the stars of 2030.
The wait is almost over. We’re about five weeks out from seeing live baseball again. Until then, keep an eye on the Kyle Tucker news—that’s the real "game" being played today.