As previously reported, the Los Angeles Dodgers will begin their 2020 schedule by facing the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium on Thursday, July 23, at 7 p.m. PT. It’s one of two Opening Day games on the MLB slate, with the New York Yankees-Washington Nationals the other matchup.
L.A. and San Francisco were scheduled to play on the original Opening Day date in March as well. “It’s nice to open up at home with a team we’re familiar with,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.
The new Dodgers 2020 schedule consists of playing each National League West opponent 10 times each. The remainder of their 60-game schedule comes against the American League West, which of course means matchups with the Houston Astros.
The Dodgers and Astros will first meet at Minute Maid Park from July 28-29, then Houston will visit Dodger Stadium for a two-game series from Sept. 12-13.
THE RACE IS ON. pic.twitter.com/YzvkdK76Uj
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) July 6, 2020
It will mark the first time the Dodgers and Astros play one another since MLB’s investigation determined Houston electronically stole signs during the 2017 World Series.
Several Dodgers voiced their frustration with the Astros’ actions and MLB’s punishment, with Justin Turner among those saying they shouldn’t be considered champions. Cody Bellinger flatly said the Astros stole a championship from the Dodgers.
But for all the candid comments players expressed, they collectively emphasized turning the page — and that was before it became aware the 2020 season would be a 60-game schedule based on regions in effort to reduce risks associated with travel.
Even after it became clear how MLB would format the schedule, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman expressed the same move-forward mindset.
“Our standpoint as we talked about a lot in Spring Training, it’s human nature to go back and relive and think about 2017,” he said. “It just couldn’t be less productive at this point in time, so I think from our standpoint, they’re a good, talented team and it’s about beating them in 2020.
“It’s the only thing we can kind of control at this point and it’s where our energy is best spent.”
Among other notable changes with the 2020 schedule, the majority of games at Dodger Stadium this season will have a 6:40 p.m. start time.
Exhibition games
The Dodgers are among the teams taking advantage of MLB permitting up to three exhibition games at the conclusion of Spring Training 2.0/Summer Camp. L.A. will play a two-game series with the Arizona Diamondbacks from July 19-20, then face the Angels.
All three exhibition games will be at Dodger Stadium.
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in our shows, and more!
