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Back-to-back World Series champions Dodgers opened their 2026 spring training slate with Yoshinobu Yamamoto on the mound against the Angels at Tempe Diablo Stadium. The Cactus League opener features a loaded Dodgers lineup with star power ready for the exhibition season.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Game Time: 12:10 PM PT on February 21, 2026
- Location: Tempe Diablo Stadium in Arizona
- Starting Pitcher: Yoshinobu Yamamoto takes the mound for the defending champions
- Dodgers Lineup: Shohei Ohtani DH, Teoscar Hernández in left field
Defending Champions Kick Off Spring Training
The Los Angeles Dodgers begin their quest for another championship with a spring training opener against the Angels in Tempe. Manager Dave Roberts is deploying key regulars including Ohtani, Hernández, and Will Smith for the Cactus League contest. This matchup marks the official start of the defending champs’ exhibition season.
Teoscar Hernández arrives to camp lighter, having shed 12 pounds during the offseason. The left fielder is eager to build on his role within the championship roster and prove his full health entering the new campaign.
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Yamamoto Takes the Ball in Historic Matchup
World Series hero Yoshinobu Yamamoto gets the honor of starting Game 1 of spring training. Yamamoto delivered in crucial moments during back-to-back postseason runs and comes into 2026 with a chance to anchor the rotation. The Japanese ace looks physically imposing and ready after conditioning work at Camelback Ranch.
The 31-year-old Ohtani will serve as designated hitter for the first two spring games before departing to represent Japan in the World Baseball Classic. Ohtani brings two-way star potential and remains central to the Dodgers’ championship aspirations for 2026.
Angels Look to Build on Young Core
Shortstop Zach Neto (25) and first baseman Nolan Schanuel (24) lead the Angels youth movement as they square off against LA. Both players represent Anaheim’s foundation for the future, with Neto projected to generate 3.7 projected WAR and Schanuel adding 2.0 WAR. The infield duo anchors a rebuilding roster.
| Factor | Dodgers | Angels |
| Status | Defending World Series champs | Rebuilding young core |
| Star Pitcher | Yoshinobu Yamamoto, World Series hero | Yusei Kikuchi, returning starter |
| Key Offensive Star | Shohei Ohtani (DH today) | Zach Neto, age 25 |
“The back-to-back champions open their Cactus League slate against the Angeles on Saturday afternoon at Tempe Diablo Stadium.”
— MLB.com, Official baseball coverage
Spring Training Sets Stage for Regular Season Push
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts emphasized the importance of getting regulars meaningful innings early. The defending champions field a rotation anchored by Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, Ohtani, and Emmet Shoemaker. This six-man rotation projects as one of the most formidable in baseball heading into the regular season.
The Angels made significant roster adjustments, with Yusei Kikuchi and José Soriano returning as their only established starters. Building chemistry early in spring training will be crucial for Anaheim to compete in a crowded AL West division.
Will the Dodgers Extend Their Dynasty in 2026?
As spring training gets underway, the pressure mounts on Los Angeles to prove they can repeat as World Series champions. Yamamoto’s performance today will serve as a crucial barometer for the rotation’s health and readiness. The veterans surrounding Ohtani must stay healthy through a grueling 162-game schedule.
Meanwhile, the Angels will use early Cactus League games to evaluate their young talent and determine rotation depth behind Kikuchi. A strong spring could provide momentum heading into Opening Day as Zach Neto and Nolan Schanuel look to take another leap forward in their professional development.
