Diamondbacks Open Season vs. Dodgers

The Diamondbacks commence their 2026 campaign today, facing the World Series-winning Dodgers in Los Angeles. The game is scheduled to begin at 5:30 pm PT. This Opening Day matchup carries historical weight, as it has been 25 years since the Diamondbacks last secured an Opening Day victory against the Dodgers in 2001. That 2001 win was a 3-2 comeback victory, with Luis Gonzalez hitting a decisive two-run homer.

Since that 2001 triumph, the Diamondbacks have faced four Opening Day losses to the Dodgers, often by significant margins. The most recent Opening Day encounter in 2023 resulted in an 8-2 loss for Arizona. However, the long baseball season, comprised of 162 games, suggests that individual game outcomes, especially early on, have a limited impact on the overall season's success.

This year's Diamondbacks roster shows considerable evolution from the previous season's opener. Approximately half of the starting lineup has been updated, and the bullpen features entirely new arms compared to the 2025 Opening Day roster. While major offseason moves were limited to re-signing key players like Kelly and Gallen, substantial roster churn indicates a dynamic team approach. The team hopes for a successful start while acknowledging the long season ahead.