Revised 2021 Dodgers Spring Training Schedule Eliminates Split-Squad Games, Brings More Night Starts

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Originally published by DodgerBlue.com

Due to the recently-implemented MLB health and safety protocols, a revised 2021 Los Angeles Dodgers Spring Training schedule has been set, and with that came a delay for their first Cactus League game, among other changes.

The Dodgers originally were slated to face the Chicago Cubs at Sloan Park on Saturday, Feb. 28. However, L.A. now opens their Cactus League schedule Feb. 29, still on the road, but with a matchup against the Oakland Athletics.

Overall, the revised Dodgers Spring Training schedule consists of 29 games, which includes the exhibition Freeway Series at the end of March. MLB eliminated split-squad games for all teams, but in a quirk, the Dodgers and L.A. Angels will not face each other in Arizona.

Another noteworthy change to the spring schedule for the Dodgers are their 15 night games. That number historically is much smaller, with night contests typically not taking place until later in the schedule as preparations for the regular season ramp up.

The Dodgers are scheduled to play 14 of their 26 Cactus League games at Camelback Ranch, including 13 as the designated home team. Among other matchups, they will host the San Diego Padres (March 6), Arizona Diamondbacks (March 10) and San Francisco Giants (March 21).

Rule changes this spring include pitchers being permitted to re-enter a game. Furthermore, for games through March 13, a manager will have the option to end an inning before the third out is recorded if his pitcher has thrown at least 20 pitches.

Also through March 13, games can be shortened to seven or five innings if both managers are in agreement. Starting March 14, both managers can agree to shorten a game to seven innings, and that date is also when the three-batter minimum rule for pitchers takes effect.

Camelback Ranch has not announced plans for attendance — which presumably will be a limited capacity — nor provided details on when tickets may go on sale. What is known is the backfields will be closed to the public during workouts.

Opening Day of the 2021 regular season remains scheduled for April 1. The Dodgers are due to face the Colorado Rockies, with first pitch at Coors Field scheduled for 1:10 p.m. PT. The game will be televised by SportsNet LA and ESPN.

Revised 2021 Dodgers Spring Training schedule

Day Date Opponent Location Time (local) Result
Sunday Feb. 28 @ Athletics Mesa 1:05 p.m.
Monday March 1 vs. Rockies Glendale 1:05 p.m.
Tuesday March 2 @ Giants Scottsdale 7:05 p.m.
Wednesday March 3 vs. Reds Glendale 6:05 p.m.
Thursday March 4 vs. Cubs Glendale 6:05 p.m.
Friday March 5 @ Royals Surprise 1:05 p.m.
Saturday March 6 vs. Padres Glendale 1:05 p.m.
Sunday March 7 @ Rangers Surprise 1:05 p.m.
Monday March 8 vs. White Sox Glendale 1:05 p.m.
Tuesday March 9 @ Reds Goodyear 6:05 p.m.
Wednesday March 10 vs. Diamondbacks Glendale 6:05 p.m.
Thursday March 11 vs. Mariners Glendale 6:05 p.m.
Friday March 12 @ Indians Goodyear 1:05 p.m.
Sunday March 14 vs. Royals Glendale 6:05 p.m.
Monday March 15 @ Rockies Salt River 1:10 p.m.
Tuesday March 16 vs. Brewers Glendale 1:05 p.m.
Wednesday March 17 @ White Sox Glendale 1:05 p.m.
Thursday March 18 @ Diamondbacks Salt River 1:10 p.m.
Friday March 19 vs. Rangers Glendale 6:05 p.m.
Saturday March 20 @ Padres Peoria 1:10 p.m.
Sunday March 21 vs. Giants Glendale 6:05 p.m.
Monday March 22 @ Mariners Peoria 6:40 p.m.
Tuesday March 23 @ Brewers Maryvale 1:10 p.m.
Thursday March 25 @ Cubs Mesa 6:05 p.m.
Friday March 26 vs. Athletics Glendale 6:05 p.m.
Saturday March 27 vs. Indians Glendale 12:05 p.m.
Sunday March 28 @ Angels Angel Stadium TBA
Monday March 29 vs. Angels Dodger Stadium 7:10 p.m.
Tuesday March 30 vs. Angels Dodger Stadium 7:10 p.m.

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