LOS ANGELES — Opening Day is here, and the Arizona Diamondbacks will begin the season against a familiar National League West rival as they take on the reigning World Series champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Who will take the mound for each team, and how have they fared in the past against these starters?
Apr 13, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zac Gallen (23) calls for the ball while on the mound in the fourth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images
The Diamondbacks will turn to ace Zac Gallen to open the 2026 campaign, marking his fourth straight Opening Day start. He enters the year coming off a turbulent 2025 season, posting a 13-15 record with a 4.83 ERA and 175 strikeouts. The right-hander’s underlying metrics dipped, and his results raised concerns about command and consistency.
However, facing the Dodgers has often been a welcome task for Gallen.
Last season, Gallen went 1-1 with a 3.18 ERA in two starts against Los Angeles. While his early-season loss included four runs allowed, his second outing was dominant, finishing with a shutout. It hasn’t always been overpowering performances, but efficiency — especially with his curveball — could be the difference-maker in Thursday’s matchup.
Sep 15, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zac Gallen (23) pitches against the San Francisco Giants during the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Mookie Betts, Will Smith, and Kyle Tucker are among the notable hitters who have found success against Gallen. Limiting traffic on the bases will be critical before facing that level of power.
The challenge on the other side is steep, as Arizona faces reigning World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
Sep 25, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto (18) on the mound in the seventh inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images
The Dodgers’ ace posted a 2.49 ERA with 201 strikeouts last season while finishing third in Cy Young voting. His splitter-heavy arsenal generates weak contact and holds opponents to a .232 average. Against the Diamondbacks, he went 1-1 with a 2.57 ERA and delivered multiple scoreless outings across four starts.
Still, Ketel Marte and Gabriel Moreno have managed quality at-bats against Yamamoto, driving in runs and showing an ability to read his pitch mix.
Sep 25, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto (18) on the mound pitching in the sixth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images
While the Dodgers enter as favorites, that label doesn’t fully reflect how competitive this matchup has become. Arizona has been competitive in Los Angeles recently, going 6-4 in its last 10 road games against the Dodgers. The dynamic has shifted — this is no longer a one-sided rivalry.
With both aces on the mound, the Diamondbacks are not only looking for a win but also to make an early statement against the best team in baseball.
The 2025 World Series banner will be raised at Dodger Stadium today!#OpeningDay continues with a matchup between division rivals on NBC and Peacock at 8:30 PM ET ⚾️ pic.twitter.com/Y4yNP9ttUm
— MLB (@MLB) March 26, 2026
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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