Dodgers 2026 Schedule: When Do They Play the Padres?

The Los Angeles Dodgers’ 2026 MLB schedule is out, and honestly, it looks like one of the wildest, most travel-heavy seasons in recent memory. Fans can look forward to a home opener at Dodger Stadium, some classic rivalry clashes, weird travel stretches, and late-season division battles.

This year brings a return to a traditional Opening Day start. It could set the stage for some dramatic postseason drama, but who really knows?

Dodgers Set for Home-Field Opening Day Return

For the first time since 2023, the Dodgers will start their season on traditional Opening Day. No international opener this time—just baseball at home.

The 2026 campaign launches March 26 at Dodger Stadium against the Arizona Diamondbacks. That’s setting the tone early with a divisional matchup.

This will be the fourth straight year the Dodgers host their home opener. That’s a streak fans probably aren’t complaining about.

Opening Series and Early Travel

After three games versus the Diamondbacks, the Dodgers hit the road immediately. First stop: Washington, D.C., to face the Nationals.

Then it’s a quick hop up to Toronto from April 6-8. This opening stretch will really test their travel legs right away.

April Highlights: Jackie Robinson Day and Rivalry Sparks

April 15 will be special at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers host the New York Mets on Jackie Robinson Day, a tradition that always feels bigger than baseball.

Just a few days after that, the Dodgers–Giants rivalry kicks off for 2026. They’ll play a three-game set in San Francisco from April 21-23.

Giants and Freeway Series Action

The Giants head to Los Angeles for the first time May 11-14. That’s the home crowd’s first crack at the rivalry this season.

Then there’s the Freeway Series with the Angels. They’ll play May 15-17 in Anaheim, and then again June 5-7 at Dodger Stadium. Always a little extra energy in those games, isn’t there?

Midseason Matchups and Grueling Travel

Summer brings more drama—and a whole lot of miles. The Dodgers play the Padres for the first time May 18-20 in San Diego.

They’ll square off again in Los Angeles over the July 4 weekend. That could be a huge matchup, especially if the standings are close.

June looks pretty brutal for travel. The Dodgers will hit the road for one of their longest trips in years.

• Arizona
• Pittsburgh
• Chicago
• Minnesota
• San Diego
• Sacramento – where they’ll face the newly relocated Athletics

All-Star Break and East Coast Gauntlet

After the All-Star break in Philadelphia, the Dodgers jump right back into a tough stretch. They’ll face the Yankees, Phillies, and Mets in back-to-back series along the Northeast corridor.

That’s a lot of playoff-caliber opponents in a hurry. Should be a real test of depth and stamina.

Season’s Final Push: Division Showdown

The regular season wraps up with a National League West run that could decide everything. First, three at home against the Giants.

Next, three more at home versus the Padres. The Dodgers close the campaign in San Francisco from September 25-27. If the division’s close, those games could be wild.

Potential Playoff Implications

With so many divisional games packed into the end, the NL West race might stay undecided right up until the last weekend. These matchups have a way of bringing late-season drama, and honestly, with the Dodgers, Giants, and Padres all in the mix, you just never know what’ll happen.

The 2026 Dodgers schedule blends tradition with fierce rivalries and some real travel headaches. From honoring Jackie Robinson to grinding through those long road trips, Los Angeles will need depth and stamina just to keep up.

Dodger fans, get your calendars out—this season could be one of those wild rides you talk about for years.

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Here is the source article for this story: 10 things to note about the Dodgers’ 2026 schedule. When do they play the Padres?