D-backs-Dodgers Opening Day starters: Gallen vs. Yamamoto
The D-backs are looking to get back to the postseason after missing out in each of the past two years, and their 2026 campaign begins with a tough opponent: the back-to-back defending champions.
Last year, the Dodgers clinched their 12th NL West title in the past 13 years at Chase Field. The D-backs are one of the teams in the division that will try to usurp the champions, starting with their Opening Day clash on NBC on March 26 at 5:30 p.m. PT/MT at Dodger Stadium.
Both teams will send their incumbent Opening Day starter to the mound: Zac Gallen is starting for Arizona, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto will oppose him for Los Angeles. Here's more on the matchup:
Diamondbacks: RHP Zac Gallen
Previous Opening Days starts: 2023, 2024, 2025
2025 season: 13-15, 4.83 ERA in 33 starts
Merrill Kelly was initially tabbed as the Opening Day starter, but a back issue early in camp set him back and manager Torey Lovullo pivoted to Gallen. The 30-year-old declined a qualifying offer last fall, but wound up signing a one-year contract with the Diamondbacks four days after Spring Training began.
"Zac has done a lot right for this organization," Lovullo said. "I just feel like Zac deserved it. I know it wasn't a pristine year for him last year, but he battled, he fought, he showed some resilience in the second half of the season. Got himself on the right track, and he chose the Arizona Diamondbacks again. So, I'm glad for that."
Dodgers: RHP Yoshinobu Yamamoto
Previous Opening Day starts: 2025
2025 season: 12-8, 2.49 ERA in 30 starts
Yamamoto emerged as the Dodgers' ace in 2025, when he was the only member of the rotation who did not miss a start. He finished third in NL Cy Young Award voting behind unanimous winner Paul Skenes and runner-up Cristopher Sánchez. But it was in the postseason that he really shined, tossing consecutive complete games in NLCS Game 2 and World Series Game 2. He was the winning pitcher in three of the Dodgers' four World Series victories, earning series MVP honors.
After Yamamoto's first Opening Day start came on home soil in last year's season-opening Tokyo Series, this will be his first at Dodger Stadium.
"It is a pretty easy decision, considering that it’s an honor to be the Opening Day starter," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. "He started for us last year on the road. But for him to get that start on Opening Day at home, I think it’s going to be special."