Batter Up! What to Know About the D-Backs 2026 Home Opener at Chase Field Baseball returns to the Valley of the Sun on Monday night as the Arizona Diamondbacks open their 2026 home schedule at Chase Field, facing the Detroit Tigers in a 7:10 p.m. matchup. The event marks the start of a weeklong homestand packed with fanfare, entertainment, and special offerings for attendees. Arizona’s Family crews have previewed the ballpark to highlight what fans can expect, including exclusive promotions, new food options, and memorable moments tied to the team’s history. One of the standout deals for fans is the Arizona’s Family Value Pack, which includes four tickets for $120. Each ticket comes with a D-backs Dog and a 24-oz. regular soda. The offer is available for select home games against the Blue Jays on April 19, the Rockies on May 24, the Nationals on June 7, the Brewers on July 5, the Reds on August 23, and the Rangers on September 13. This promotion aims to provide fans with a cost-effective way to enjoy the season while supporting the team’s initiatives. The D-backs’ Give Back 50/50 Raffle is another highlight, with tickets available at every home game at Chase Field. Fans can purchase raffle tickets through kiosks in Sections 106 and 134 or via ambassadors stationed throughout the stadium. Half of each jackpot benefits the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation, which supports youth sports outreach across the state. The raffle adds an element of excitement to each game, rewarding winners while contributing to community programs. For those looking to enhance their game-day experience, Chase Field introduces several new food options. Highlights include a pulled pork mac and cheese sandwich, a hand-dipped chili cheese corndog, and a chicken parmesan grilled cheese.#arizona_diamondbacks #chase_field #arizona_family #cathy_cookies #willie_bloomquist
Clayton Kershaw Joins Dodgers as Special Assistant The Los Angeles Dodgers have officially announced Clayton Kershaw’s new role as a special assistant, fulfilling the team’s long-standing desire to keep him connected to the organization. Kershaw, 38, described the position as flexible, emphasizing that it will not involve coaching. Speaking ahead of the Dodgers’ ring ceremony, he stated, “I’ll be involved somehow. Probably not physically here in L.A., but definitely I’ll watch games. I still want to be a part of the Dodgers, so if I can help in some small piece, I will.” Kershaw’s broadcasting debut for NBC occurred during Thursday’s Opening Day, where he provided insights from the third-base dugout as the Dodgers defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks 8-2. He remained in Los Angeles overnight to receive his third championship ring the following day, a symbolic end to his 18-year career. Reflecting on the moment, he said, “I know they’ve got to move on to this season, but I don’t have to. I’m just going to keep relishing it.” Kershaw announced his retirement in late 2025, concluding his career with 11 wins and a 3.39 ERA in 22 starts. He transitioned to a low-leverage bullpen role during the playoffs, where he warmed up for potential use in the World Series’ 11th inning. Unaware that Mookie Betts had initiated a double play leading to the Dodgers’ back-to-back championships, Kershaw later joined Team USA as an emergency reliever in the World Baseball Classic, fulfilling a lifelong goal. His broadcasting debut followed shortly after, marking a seamless shift into a new chapter. Despite his retirement, Kershaw expressed that his transition is not yet complete. “I don’t feel like retirement’s really, really started yet,” he said.#nbc #los_angeles_dodgers #clayton_kershaw #dallas #arizona_diamondbacks
Mets, Tommy Pham Agree To Minor League Deal The New York Mets and veteran outfielder Tommy Pham have reached an agreement on a minor league contract, according to ESPN’s Jorge Castillo. The deal, which marks Pham’s second stint with the team, includes a prorated $2.25 million bonus if he is selected for the major league roster and an opt-out clause set for April 25, as reported by USA Today’s Bob Nightengale. Pham could also earn an additional $850,000 in performance-based incentives, Castillo noted. Pham, 38, spent the 2025 season with the Pittsburgh Pirates, posting a slightly below-average .245/.330/.370 batting line (95 wRC+). However, his second-half performance was more encouraging, as he hit .278/.363/.468 with 10 home runs, 13 doubles, a triple, an 11.7% walk rate, and a 17.2% strikeout rate over his final 273 plate appearances. His strong finish in June helped offset a slow start to the season. Pham previously joined the Mets in 2023, signing a one-year free-agent deal. He contributed 264 plate appearances with the team, hitting .268/.348/.472 before being traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks in a midseason deal. The swap sent teenage infielder Jeremy Rodriguez to the Mets. Now returning to New York, Pham aims to work his way up through Triple-A in hopes of securing a spot on the big league roster. The Mets’ Opening Day roster features top prospect Carson Benge as their starting right fielder, but the club is preparing for potential setbacks. Mike Tauchman, a key bench option, is sidelined due to a meniscus tear requiring surgery at the end of spring training. Pham provides the Mets with a veteran alternative if Benge struggles against major league pitching early in the season. His right-handed bat also complements Benge’s left-handed approach, as Pham has a career .261/.368/.#new_york_mets #pittsburgh_pirates #carson_benge #tommy_pham #arizona_diamondbacks
