Dodgers vs Guardians Game 3: Yamamoto Starts Series Decider

Tonight, all eyes are on Dodger Stadium as the Los Angeles Dodgers and Cleveland Guardians face off in Game 3 of their early-season series — a rubber match that will determine bragging rights heading into the rest of April. With the series knotted at 1-1, a rising rookie nursing an injury scare, and a fresh roster move already made, this game has every ingredient for a must-watch Wednesday night matchup. Here's everything you need to know before the first pitch.

Game 3 Details: Time, TV Channel, and Streaming Info

Game 3 of the Guardians vs. Dodgers series is set for Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at 8:20 PM ET (5:20 PM PT) at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. Whether you're watching from the couch or catching a stream on your phone, you'll want to make sure you're tuned in before first pitch.

For full details on the TV channel, streaming options, and confirmed lineups, Total Pro Sports has a complete breakdown of how to watch tonight's game. If you're planning to watch at home and want the best viewing experience, check out options for an indoor TV antenna or a reliable streaming device for TV to make sure you don't miss a pitch.

Starting Pitchers: Yamamoto vs. Williams

The pitching matchup for tonight's rubber game is a compelling one. The Dodgers will send RHP Yoshinobu Yamamoto to the mound, the Japanese ace who was one of the most prized free agent signings in recent MLB history. Yamamoto gives LA one of the most dominant top-of-rotation arms in all of baseball, and a strong outing tonight could effectively ice the series and send the Guardians home with a loss.

Cleveland counters with RHP Gavin Williams, who will need to keep the Dodgers' loaded lineup at bay in a hostile environment. Dodger Stadium crowds have proven to be one of the loudest and most energized in the league during the postseason run that produced back-to-back World Series championships for Los Angeles, and that home-field energy carries into the regular season.

For Yamamoto, tonight represents another opportunity to cement his status as the ace of a dynasty. For Williams, it's a chance to prove Cleveland belongs in the same conversation as the defending champs.

You can find the confirmed Dodgers lineup and full pitching details ahead of tonight's game at MSN Sports.

Series Recap: How We Got to Game 3

The Dodgers took Game 2 on Tuesday night with a convincing 4-1 victory, evening the series after the Guardians had claimed Game 1. LA's pitching staff largely shut down Cleveland's offense, and the Dodgers' lineup did just enough to pull away for the win.

As of tonight, the Dodgers sit at 4-1 on the 2026 season — one of the best records in baseball through the first five games. The Guardians come in at 3-3 through six games, a respectable but inconsistent start that was derailed in part by a shocking injury scare in Game 2.

A full recap of Tuesday's action, including how the Guardians' offense went silent at critical moments, is available at MSN Sports' game recap.

Chase DeLauter Injury Scare: What We Know

The biggest story coming out of Tuesday's game wasn't the final score — it was the alarming exit of Guardians rookie outfielder Chase DeLauter, who suffered a left foot contusion after fouling a Shohei Ohtani fastball directly off his back foot. The stadium fell silent as DeLauter winced in pain and was eventually removed from the game.

The initial news was terrifying for Cleveland fans: a high-velocity pitch off the foot of your hottest hitter is never a good sign. Fortunately, X-rays came back negative, and there is no fracture. Whether DeLauter can suit up and play in Game 3 tonight remains a key question the Guardians' coaching staff will need to answer before first pitch.

DeLauter had been nothing short of sensational to start his career. In just his first five MLB games, the rookie had already clubbed four home runs — an incredible feat that put him in exclusive company. He hit home runs in back-to-back games against the Seattle Mariners on March 27-28, making him just the 6th player in MLB history to hit multiple home runs in their regular-season debut series. Losing him, even temporarily, would be a significant blow to Cleveland's offensive firepower.

Heavy.com has a full breakdown of how the MLB world reacted to DeLauter's injury, including player and fan responses across social media.

Dodgers Acquire Jake Eder: Breaking Down the Trade

The Dodgers didn't waste any time after their Game 2 win. Shortly after the final out, Los Angeles announced they had acquired pitcher Jake Eder from the Washington Nationals — continuing the team's aggressive approach to roster construction even deep into the regular season's first week.

Eder is a left-handed pitcher originally selected by the Miami Marlins in the fourth round of the 2020 MLB Draft out of Vanderbilt University. He made his MLB debut with the Chicago White Sox in 2024 and carries a career 4.87 ERA in 20⅓ innings pitched at the big-league level. The Nationals had designated him for assignment on March 28, 2026, opening the door for the Dodgers to swoop in.

While Eder isn't a marquee name, the acquisition reflects the Dodgers' philosophy of accumulating pitching depth at every level. A roster that already boasts Yamamoto at the top has now added another arm to a deep bullpen and developmental pipeline.

For more on the trade and what it means for the Dodgers going forward, Heavy.com has the full details on the Jake Eder acquisition.

What's Next: Dodgers Head to Washington After Series Finale

Regardless of tonight's outcome, the Dodgers will pack their bags and head east. Following the Guardians series, Los Angeles is scheduled to face the Washington Nationals in Washington D.C. starting April 3 — a road trip that will test whether their hot 4-1 start is sustainable away from Chavez Ravine.

The Nationals, who just traded Eder to their upcoming opponents, will be looking to prove they can compete against a team that has defined the sport's recent landscape. For Dodgers fans planning to attend future home games or road trips, a MLB baseball tickets search and solid Dodgers jersey are worth grabbing ahead of the next home stand.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time is the Dodgers game tonight?

Game 3 of the Guardians vs. Dodgers series begins at 8:20 PM ET / 5:20 PM PT on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.

Who is pitching for the Dodgers tonight?

Yoshinobu Yamamoto takes the mound for the Dodgers in tonight's series finale. Gavin Williams starts for the Cleveland Guardians.

Is Chase DeLauter playing in Game 3?

DeLauter's status for tonight's game is uncertain after he suffered a left foot contusion in Game 2 when he fouled a Shohei Ohtani fastball off his foot. X-rays were negative, but Cleveland will need to evaluate him before first pitch.

What is the Dodgers' record in 2026?

The Dodgers enter Game 3 with a 4-1 record through their first five games of the 2026 season, making them one of the hottest teams in baseball through the early going.

Who did the Dodgers trade for after Game 2?

The Dodgers acquired left-handed pitcher Jake Eder from the Washington Nationals following Tuesday's Game 2 win. Eder was a 2020 fourth-round draft pick originally selected by the Miami Marlins and made his MLB debut with the Chicago White Sox in 2024.

Conclusion

Tonight's Dodgers game is everything an early-season baseball fan could ask for: a rubber-match series decider, one of baseball's premier aces on the mound, a compelling rookie injury subplot, and a defending champion looking to send another message to the rest of the league. Whether you're rooting for the Guardians to pull the upset or hoping the Dodgers continue their historic run, Game 3 on April 1, 2026 is must-watch baseball.

Lock in at 8:20 PM ET and catch all the action live from Dodger Stadium. The series — and potentially the tone for both teams' early seasons — is on the line.