The Los Angeles Dodgers are set to continue their high-stakes home series against the Chicago Cubs today, Saturday, April 25, 2026. This matchup at Dodger Stadium represents a critical early-season juncture for both clubs. The Dodgers are looking to bounce back from a tough opening loss, while the Chicago Cubs are riding an extraordinary wave of momentum that has seen them climb to the top of the power rankings this spring.

What time is the Dodgers game today?

Today’s game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs is scheduled to begin at 4:15 PM PT. As a classic Saturday late-afternoon start at Chavez Ravine, fans can expect the iconic Southern California sun to transition into a picturesque twilight during the middle innings. Gate openings typically occur two hours prior to first pitch, allowing early arrivals to catch batting practice and soak in the atmosphere of one of baseball's most historic venues.

Starting Pitchers for Dodgers vs Cubs

The pitching matchup for today’s contest features a fascinating contrast between a struggling young phenom and a steady veteran in peak form.

Roki Sasaki takes the mound for Los Angeles

The headline of the afternoon is Roki Sasaki. Since making the highly anticipated leap to Major League Baseball, the "Monster of the Reiwa" has found the adjustment period more challenging than scouts initially predicted. Sasaki enters today's start with an 0-2 record and a 6.11 ERA through his first few outings of the 2026 season.

In our scouting analysis of his recent performances, the primary issue appears to be secondary pitch command rather than raw velocity. While his fastball still consistently touches triple digits, MLB hitters have shown a disciplined approach, laying off the splitter when it buried too low and punishing hanging sliders. Today is a massive test for Sasaki; he needs to prove he can navigate a red-hot Chicago lineup that is currently seeing the ball exceptionally well. The pressure of pitching at Dodger Stadium on a Saturday afternoon is immense, and all eyes will be on his ability to find the strike zone early.

Colin Rea starts for Chicago

On the opposite side, the Chicago Cubs counter with right-hander Colin Rea. Rea is enjoying a career-best start to the 2026 campaign, boasting a perfect 3-0 record and a solid 3.00 ERA. Unlike Sasaki, Rea relies on deception, movement, and elite game-planning rather than overwhelming power.

Rea’s success this season has been built on his ability to induce weak contact. His sinker-cutter combination has kept hitters off-balance, leading to one of the highest ground-ball rates in the National League. For a Dodgers lineup that thrives on loft and exit velocity, Rea’s ability to keep the ball in the park will be the deciding factor.

Series Context and Team Momentum

This is the second game of a three-game weekend series. The momentum shifted dramatically during Friday’s opener, leaving the Dodgers with plenty of questions to answer.

Yesterday’s Recap: A Cubs Comeback

In the series opener on Friday, the Dodgers appeared to be in total control, jumping out to a 4-0 lead. However, the Chicago Cubs demonstrated the resilience that has defined their season so far. Rallying late in the game, the Cubs scored six unanswered runs to secure a 6-4 victory.

This win was not just another notch in the win column; it extended the Cubs' winning streak to 10 consecutive games. A double-digit winning streak at this point in the season is a clear indicator of a clubhouse playing with ultimate confidence. For the Dodgers, losing a game after a four-run lead is a rare lapse in execution, particularly from a bullpen that has historically been the bedrock of the franchise.

The 10-Game Win Streak Factor

The Chicago Cubs arrive at the stadium today with "house money" energy. When a team wins 10 in a row, every player feels like a hero is waiting to happen. Whether it’s a diving catch in the gap or a pinch-hit home run, the Cubs are finding ways to win close games. The Dodgers' mission today is to break that psychological spell. Stopping a 10-game streak requires an early lead and a shutdown performance from the starting pitcher—putting the weight squarely on Roki Sasaki’s shoulders.

Key Players and Matchups to Watch

While the pitchers start the narrative, the star-studded lineups on both sides will ultimately dictate the box score.

Shohei Ohtani’s Home Presence

In 2026, Shohei Ohtani remains the focal point of the Dodgers' offensive strategy. Despite the team's loss on Friday, Ohtani’s ability to change a game with a single swing is unparalleled. Against a pitcher like Colin Rea, who excels at inducing ground balls, Ohtani’s discipline will be vital. If Rea misses his spots in the lower half of the zone, Ohtani has the power to drive the ball into the bleachers regardless of the sinker's movement.

The Dodgers Core: Freeman and Betts

The veteran leadership of Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts is crucial when a team faces a red-hot opponent. Freeman’s contact-oriented approach is the perfect antidote to Rea’s pitching style. Expect Freeman to look for pitches he can spray to all fields, effectively "paper-cutting" the Cubs' defense. Meanwhile, Betts' defensive versatility and leadoff spark will be needed to ignite a stadium that might feel a bit tense after yesterday’s collapse.

The Cubs’ Surging Offense

The Chicago lineup has been a statistical marvel during this 10-game stretch. They aren't just winning; they are wearing pitchers down. Their collective on-base percentage (OBP) during the streak has been among the best in the league. They force pitchers to work deep counts, which could be problematic for Sasaki if his pitch count rises early. Watch for the Cubs' middle-of-the-order hitters to be aggressive early in the count if Sasaki struggles to find his rhythm.

Dodger Stadium Game Day Experience

Attending a game at Dodger Stadium on a Saturday in April is a quintessential Los Angeles experience. Here is what fans attending today’s game should keep in mind.

Weather Conditions

The forecast for today, April 25, calls for clear skies and classic California sunshine. Temperatures at first pitch (4:15 PM) are expected to be in the low 70s Fahrenheit. However, as the sun dips behind the Santa Monica Mountains during the late innings, the temperature will drop into the low 60s. Fans are advised to bring a light jacket or a Dodgers sweatshirt for the final few innings.

Visibility for Hitters

The "twilight transition" at Dodger Stadium is famous—or infamous—depending on who you ask. During a 4:15 PM start, the shadows will begin to creep from the third-base side toward the pitcher's mound around 5:30 PM. This can create a difficult "batter's eye" where the ball moves from bright sunlight into deep shadow. Elite pitchers often take advantage of this window to increase their strikeout rates.

Stadium Logistics and Food

Dodger Stadium continues to offer a mix of traditional favorites and modern culinary options.

  • The Dodger Dog: Still the gold standard for stadium snacks. Whether you prefer it grilled or steamed, it’s a mandatory purchase for many.
  • Parking: It is highly recommended to purchase parking in advance online to save on costs and expedite entry. The stadium lots get crowded quickly on Saturdays.
  • Public Transit: The Dodger Stadium Express from Union Station remains a great way to avoid the legendary Los Angeles traffic, providing a dedicated lane into the park.

How to watch the Dodgers game today

If you aren't among the 50,000 fans at the stadium, there are several ways to catch the action live.

Television Networks

  • Local Coverage: Spectrum SportsNet LA is the primary home for Dodgers baseball. Their pre-game coverage usually begins an hour before first pitch.
  • Regional Sports Networks: For those in the Chicago market, Marquee Sports Network will carry the Cubs broadcast.
  • National Broadcast: Check local listings as Saturday afternoon games are frequently picked up for regional or national windows on networks like FOX or FS1.

Radio and Audio

  • English: AM 570 LA Sports provides the flagship radio broadcast for the Dodgers.
  • Spanish: KTNQ 1020 AM offers the play-by-play for the Spanish-speaking audience.
  • Cubs Radio: 670 The Score is the place for Chicago-based fans to hear the radio call.

Streaming Options

For those looking to stream the game, MLB.TV is the official platform, though blackout restrictions apply to local markets. Subscribers to services like FuboTV or DirecTV Stream may have access to the regional sports networks depending on their package and location.

Tactical Breakdown: How the Dodgers can win

To stop the Cubs’ 10-game winning streak and even the series, the Dodgers must execute in three specific areas:

  1. Sasaki's First Two Innings: Roki Sasaki cannot afford a "feel-out" period. He needs to establish his fastball early to make his splitter effective. If he walks the leadoff man in the first, it could be a long afternoon.
  2. Neutralizing the Sinker: Dodgers hitters need to be patient against Colin Rea. Swinging at sinkers at the bottom of the zone will result in easy double plays. They need to force Rea to bring the ball up into the middle of the plate.
  3. Bullpen Redemption: After giving up the lead on Friday, the Dodgers' relief corps needs a clean performance. High-leverage arms must be ready to enter as early as the 6th inning if the game remains tight.

The Broader 2026 MLB Landscape

As we approach the end of April 2026, the National League standings are beginning to take shape. The Dodgers entered the season as favorites to win the NL West, but the early-season surge of teams like the Cubs and the Padres has made it clear that the path to the postseason will be a gauntlet.

A win today would bring the Dodgers much-needed stability. Conversely, if the Cubs extend their streak to 11, they will firmly establish themselves as the team to beat in the National League Central. The psychological impact of these early-season head-to-head matchups often resonates well into the summer months.

Summary of Today's Game Details

  • Matchup: Chicago Cubs at Los Angeles Dodgers
  • Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026
  • Time: 4:15 PM PT
  • Location: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
  • Starting Pitchers: Colin Rea (CHC) vs. Roki Sasaki (LAD)
  • Series Status: Cubs lead 1-0

Conclusion

Today's game is more than just a regular-season matchup; it’s a clash of narratives. On one side, you have the Chicago Cubs, a team that seemingly cannot lose and is finding magic in every stadium they visit. On the other, you have the Los Angeles Dodgers, a powerhouse looking to integrate a Japanese superstar into their rotation while maintaining their dominance in the National League. With Roki Sasaki searching for his first win and the Cubs eyeing an 11th straight victory, the atmosphere at Dodger Stadium will be electric.

Whether you are watching from the Top Deck or tuning in from home, this Saturday afternoon showdown promises to be one of the highlights of the young 2026 season. The Dodgers have the talent to end the streak, but they must play nearly perfect baseball to overcome a Cubs team that has forgotten how to lose.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is pitching for the Dodgers today?

Right-hander Roki Sasaki is the scheduled starter for the Los Angeles Dodgers today, April 25, 2026. He enters the game with an 0-2 record and a 6.11 ERA.

Is Shohei Ohtani playing today?

Barring any last-minute lineup changes, Shohei Ohtani is expected to be in the starting lineup as the Designated Hitter for the Dodgers. He remains a central figure in the team's offense.

Can I buy tickets at the stadium for the Dodgers game?

While some tickets may be available at the box office, it is highly recommended to purchase them in advance through the official MLB website or verified secondary markets, as Saturday games against popular opponents like the Cubs often sell out.

What happened in the Dodgers game yesterday?

The Chicago Cubs defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 6-4 on Friday night. The Dodgers led 4-0 early, but the Cubs rallied to win their 10th consecutive game.

What is the weather forecast for the game at Dodger Stadium?

The forecast is sunny with a high of 73°F during the day, dropping into the low 60s as the sun sets. It will be a perfect day for baseball, though a light jacket is recommended for the later innings.

Where can I listen to the Dodgers game on the radio?

In Los Angeles, you can listen to the game on AM 570 LA Sports (English) or KTNQ 1020 AM (Spanish).

What is the Chicago Cubs' current winning streak?

The Chicago Cubs are currently on a 10-game winning streak following their victory over the Dodgers on Friday night.