The Los Angeles Dodgers and Pittsburgh Pirates are set to meet in the opening game of their series on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Dodger Stadium. The matchup features a strong Los Angeles lineup led by Shohei Ohtani against a Pittsburgh team looking to make an impact on the road.
The Dodgers enter the game with a 77-51 record, while the Pirates are 63-66. First pitch is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. ET, with the game available nationally on FOX.
Dodgers vs Pirates: Date, Time and TV Channel
The Dodgers vs Pirates game will take place on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.
- Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026
- First pitch: 7:15 p.m. ET
- Venue: Dodger Stadium
- TV: FOX
- Live streaming: Fubo and other authorized streaming platforms
Fans looking to watch the Dodgers vs Pirates online can check their local streaming options for FOX coverage.
Dodgers Look to Continue Strong Season
Los Angeles comes into the matchup with one of MLB’s stronger overall profiles. The Dodgers are 77-51 and have been particularly effective when favored, posting a 75-47 record in 122 games in which they were listed as the moneyline favorite.
The Dodgers have also produced significant power throughout the season. Los Angeles has hit 166 home runs, ranking sixth in MLB, while its .430 slugging percentage ranks second in the majors.
The pitching staff has been another major strength. The Dodgers own a 3.70 team ERA, which ranks sixth in baseball, while their 1.167 WHIP is the second-lowest mark among MLB teams.
Pirates Enter as Underdogs
Pittsburgh has a 63-66 record heading into Saturday’s contest but has shown the ability to win games as an underdog.
The Pirates have been underdogs 59 times this season and have won 24 of those games, a 40.7% success rate.
Pittsburgh has recorded 155 home runs, good for 11th in MLB, and owns a .411 slugging percentage that ranks sixth in the majors. However, its pitching numbers have been less impressive, with a 4.31 team ERA and 1.325 WHIP.
That difference in pitching production could become an important factor against a powerful Dodgers lineup.
Tarik Skubal Set to Start for Dodgers
Left-hander Tarik Skubal is scheduled to start for Los Angeles. The 29-year-old enters his 20th start of the season with a 7-7 record, 2.85 ERA and 135 strikeouts across 113 2/3 innings.
Skubal has been especially effective at generating strikeouts, averaging 10.7 strikeouts per nine innings. Opposing hitters are batting just .213 against him this season.
His recent outings have also been encouraging. Against Milwaukee on August 16, Skubal worked six innings, allowing seven hits and two runs, including one earned, while striking out seven and walking two.
His recent five-game stretch includes several strong performances, highlighted by a 7 1/3-inning outing against Kansas City on July 24 in which he allowed one earned run and struck out 12.
Jared Jones Starts for Pittsburgh
The Pirates will counter with right-hander Jared Jones, who is scheduled to make his 15th start of the season.
Jones is 2-5 with a 4.78 ERA, a 3.43 strikeout-to-walk ratio and a 1.203 WHIP in 14 games this year.
His most recent appearance came against the Boston Red Sox on August 15. Jones pitched five innings, giving up four hits and one earned run while striking out seven and issuing two walks.
Consistency will be important for Jones against Los Angeles. He has shown flashes of dominance but also experienced difficult outings, including an August 9 appearance against the New York Mets in which he surrendered eight runs over three innings.
Shohei Ohtani Leads Dodgers’ Offensive Attack
Shohei Ohtani remains one of the biggest names to watch whenever Los Angeles takes the field. He leads the Dodgers with 30 home runs and 80 RBIs entering Saturday’s game.
His power gives the Dodgers an immediate threat in the middle of the lineup, particularly against a Pittsburgh pitching staff that has posted a 4.31 ERA this season.
Andy Pages has also contributed heavily to the Dodgers’ offense. He is batting .272 with a .459 slugging percentage and has 80 RBIs.
Meanwhile, Freddie Freeman leads Los Angeles in batting average at .303, giving the Dodgers another dependable presence in the lineup.
Bryan Reynolds Leads Pirates’ Key Players
For Pittsburgh, Bryan Reynolds is one of the primary offensive players to watch. Reynolds is batting .261 and has produced 30 doubles, two triples, 15 home runs and 75 walks.
Brandon Lowe has supplied significant power for the Pirates. He leads the club with 27 home runs and 80 RBIs, making him a major run-producing threat.
Nick Gonzales has been Pittsburgh’s top hitter by batting average, sitting at .310.
The Pirates will need contributions from all three players if they hope to keep pace with the Dodgers’ offensive firepower.
Dodgers vs Pirates: Key Numbers
The statistical contrast between the teams makes Saturday’s matchup particularly interesting.
Los Angeles has the edge in overall record, pitching and slugging percentage. The Dodgers’ 3.70 ERA and 1.167 WHIP demonstrate the strength of their pitching staff, while their .430 slugging percentage shows why their lineup remains dangerous.
Pittsburgh, however, has a respectable .411 slugging percentage and has won more than 40% of its games when entering as an underdog.
The starting pitching matchup could ultimately determine how the game develops. Skubal has the stronger season numbers, but Jones showed in his most recent start that he can limit opposing offenses when his command is working.
How to Watch Dodgers vs Pirates
Baseball fans can watch the Dodgers vs Pirates matchup live on FOX. The game is scheduled to begin at 7:15 p.m. ET on Saturday, August 22.
Viewers who prefer streaming can check Fubo and other services carrying their local FOX broadcast.
With Ohtani, Freeman and Pages leading a powerful Dodgers lineup and Reynolds, Lowe and Gonzales providing offensive threats for Pittsburgh, the series opener should offer plenty of storylines.
Dodgers vs Pirates Outlook
The Dodgers enter the matchup with the stronger record and a clear statistical advantage in several key categories. Their pitching staff has been more effective, and their offense ranks among MLB’s best in slugging and home-run production.
Pittsburgh cannot be overlooked, though. The Pirates have demonstrated that they can win as underdogs, and their offense ranks well in several power categories.
The biggest question will be whether Jared Jones can keep the Dodgers’ hitters under control while Pittsburgh’s lineup tries to find opportunities against Tarik Skubal.
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