{"id":643368,"date":"2026-03-25T22:14:13","date_gmt":"2026-03-25T22:14:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/643368\/"},"modified":"2026-03-25T22:14:13","modified_gmt":"2026-03-25T22:14:13","slug":"dodgers-begin-2026-mlb-opening-day-vs-diamondbacks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/643368\/","title":{"rendered":"Dodgers begin 2026 MLB Opening Day vs. Diamondbacks"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Dodgers\u2019 modern-day dynasty is already cemented, with the club having won back-to-back World Series<\/a> and three in the past six seasons.<\/p>\n

Now, they are chasing history<\/a>, trying to join the 1972-1974 Athletics and 1998-2000 Yankees as the only franchises in MLB\u2019s expansion era (since 1961) to win three consecutive championships.<\/p>\n

Such expectations might sound suffocating. Anything short of another title will be a failure.<\/p>\n

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Kyle Tucker against the Chicago White Sox during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Most important hitter: Kyle Tucker<\/p>\n

The Dodgers roster is getting older, with seven of their nine projected starters in the lineup past the age of 30. That\u2019s why the offseason signing of Kyle Tucker was so important. At 29, he still in the prime of his career. And by slotting into the No. 2 spot of the order, he will play a critical role, providing protection for Shohei Ohtani <\/a>and setting the table for Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts behind him. The Dodgers think he can be an MVP-caliber player. He\u2019s never had a better opportunity to prove it.<\/p>\n

Most important pitcher: Yoshinobu Yamamoto<\/p>\n

Without Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the Dodgers don\u2019t win last year\u2019s World Series \u2013\u2013 and might have even been in danger of missing the playoffs. They\u2019ll have more talent around him this year, thanks to Edwin D\u00edaz\u2019s addition as closer and Shohei Ohtani\u2019s return to full-time pitching duties. But Yamamoto has established himself as the team\u2019s ace, making his performance (and health coming off a burdensome October workload) paramount for a team that struggled on the mound at times last season.<\/p>\n

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, of Japan, gives a thumbs up after striking out San Diego Padres\u2019 Bryce Johnson during the third inning of a spring training baseball game, Friday, March 20, 2026, in Phoenix. AP<\/p>\n

Bigger year than expected: Teoscar Hernandez<\/p>\n

After becoming a fan favorite during his debut Dodgers season in 2024, Teoscar Hern\u00e1ndez had a frustrating encore last year after signing a three-year extension. His defense was bad. His at-bat quality was lacking. And he wasn\u2019t 100% healthy. However, he transformed his body this offseason, put up huge spring numbers and looks poised for a resurgent campaign; capable of a bounce-back year as an overlooked member of the team\u2019s star-studded lineup.<\/p>\n

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Most likely to disappoint: Roki Sasaki<\/p>\n

In some ways, Roki Sasaki helped save the Dodgers season by returning from a shoulder injury and starring as an emergency closer in the playoffs. However, there remain many questions about his return to starting pitching. Can he command his fastball? Can he find a third pitch? Can he live up to the lofty expectations that accompanied his arrival from Japan? That\u2019s a lot for a 24-year-old with eight career MLB starts. More growing pains could be ahead.<\/p>\n

Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Teoscar Hernandez rounds the bases after hitting a home run against the Los Angeles Angels during the third inning of a spring training baseball game, Sunday, March 22, 2026, in Anaheim, Calif. AP<\/p>\n

Key call-up: River Ryan<\/p>\n

While it won\u2019t technically be his MLB debut, after he appeared in four games in 2024, River Ryan\u2019s return from Tommy John surgery will mark a new beginning in his career. During his brief 2024 debut, the right-hander impressed with a 1.33 ERA. Now, he might be even better, having added 30 pounds during his rehab and improved his six-pitch repertoire. His workload will be limited this year, meaning he is likely to open in triple-A. But at some point, he\u2019ll be counted on in the rotation. Hopes are high for how he\u2019ll perform.<\/p>\n

Biggest managerial decision<\/p>\n

Already, Dave Roberts has indicated an eagerness to give his biggest, and oldest, stars more days off. The only problem: Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, Max Muncy and others have long been loath to days on the bench. Thus, striking that workload balance will be an ongoing challenge for Roberts all year, as he tries to keep guys both fresh for the long haul and happy over the course of a long season.<\/p>\n

Roki Sasaki of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws against the Los Angeles Angels in the first inning at Dodger Stadium on March 23, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. Getty Images<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t be surprised if\u2026<\/p>\n

\u2026 The Dodgers are looking for a frontline starting pitcher at the trade deadline. The easiest way for this season to go wrong, after all, is if injuries ravage a rotation that was pushed to its physical limits during last year\u2019s playoffs. And if that happens, the Dodgers have shown a willingness to be aggressive on the trade market for impact players. Having a top-ranked farm system will give them options too.<\/p>\n

Sure to make fans grumble<\/p>\n

Bullpen usage. One luxury of having a team as good as the Dodgers\u2019 is that they can take the long view, and occasionally punt on winnable games to keep their roster \u2013\u2013 and bullpen, specifically \u2013\u2013 fresh for the end of the year. That means, some nights, conservative reliever decisions might lead to frustrating losses. But if it means the Dodgers have a healthier pitching staff come October, it\u2019s a trade-off they\u2019re willing to make.<\/p>\n

Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates his 50th home run of the season against the Philadelphia Phillies in the eighth inning at Dodger Stadium on September 16, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Getty Images<\/p>\n

Will make playoffs if\u2026<\/p>\n

\u2026 Everything goes anywhere close to expected, thanks to the vast margin for error their $400-plus million payroll will provide. Even before opening day<\/a>, a 14th-consecutive postseason trip seems assured.<\/p>\n

Will miss playoffs if\u2026<\/p>\n

\u2026 A meteor crashes into Earth, perhaps? Plenty can go wrong, from pitching injuries to bullpen struggles to underperformance from an aging lineup. But even in a worst-case scenario, the Dodgers should still be playing in October.<\/p>\n

Prediction<\/p>\n

105-57: Even while winning back-to-back World Series, the Dodgers have somewhat underperformed the past two years by not winning 100 games. That should change this year, with the team looking better equipped to handle the rigors of a 162-game marathon.<\/p>\n

How their season will end<\/p>\n

Without a third-straight World Series. Right now, it\u2019s difficult to see any team stacking up with the Dodgers. Yet, Fangraphs\u2019 computer model gives them only a 26.7% chance of winning it all. That\u2019s still three times as good as the next closest contender. But it serves as a reminder that, in the crapshoot of a long year and unforgiving postseason format, even the best team is more likely to lose than not. So, while the Dodgers survived a World Series scare last year, odds are they eventually trip up at some point. It\u2019s just hard to see when, or how, right now.<\/p>\n

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