Baseball fans are set for one of the biggest matchups of the 2026 MLB season as the Dodgers vs Yankees series takes center stage on Sunday Night Baseball. Two of Major League Baseball’s most successful franchises will once again face each other in a nationally televised game, bringing together championship history and some of the league’s biggest stars.
The game also marks the first time NBC will broadcast a Dodgers vs Yankees matchup since Game 6 of the 1978 World Series, when New York defeated Los Angeles 7-2 to secure its second straight championship.
If you’re planning to watch the game, here’s everything you need to know, including the live stream details, schedule, game preview, and the latest Shohei Ohtani injury update.
How to Watch Dodgers vs Yankees Live
Here are the official broadcast details for Sunday’s game.
- Match: Los Angeles Dodgers vs New York Yankees
- Venue: Yankee Stadium, New York
- Date: Sunday, July 19
- Time: 7:00 PM ET
- TV Broadcast: NBC
- Live Streaming: Peacock
The game will be part of NBC’s Sunday Night Baseball coverage and will also be available for streaming on Peacock.
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NBC Returns to a Historic Dodgers vs Yankees Matchup
This game carries special historical significance.
The last Dodgers vs Yankees game shown on NBC was Game 6 of the 1978 World Series, where New York captured its 22nd World Series title with a 7-2 victory.
That legendary broadcast featured Hall of Fame names including:
- Goose Gossage
- Catfish Hunter
- Reggie Jackson
- Don Sutton
- Yogi Berra (Yankees coach)
- Bob Lemon (Yankees manager)
- Tommy Lasorda (Dodgers manager)
This year’s matchup also features plenty of star power with several All-Stars taking the field.
Shohei Ohtani Injury Update Before Dodgers vs Yankees
One of the biggest talking points entering the series is the condition of Shohei Ohtani.
Ohtani returned to the Dodgers lineup on Friday, July 17, serving as the team’s leadoff hitter against the Yankees after missing the MLB All-Star Game because of discomfort in his left knee.
According to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts:
- Ohtani received a lubricant injection in his left knee.
- His knee was not drained.
- The treatment is expected to help relieve irritation and inflammation.
- The Dodgers will closely monitor his condition before confirming his next pitching appearance, which is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, July 22.
- The club plans to take a cautious approach with his workload during the second half of the season.
Although Ohtani is not expected to pitch during the Yankees series, he is available as the designated hitter.
Dodgers Enter Series in Strong Position
The Dodgers head into the Dodgers vs Yankees showdown with an impressive first-half record.
At the All-Star break, Los Angeles stood at:
- 61-36 (.629)
This marks a better start than each of the franchise’s previous two championship seasons.
Before the break, Ohtani ranked among the National League leaders with:
- 22 home runs
- .403 on-base percentage
- .953 OPS
The Dodgers also had three All-Star starters:
- Freddie Freeman
- Max Muncy
- Andy Pages
Offensively, Los Angeles ranks among the league’s top teams in both batting average and runs scored per game.
The team enters the series after losing five of its last seven games before the All-Star break, including its first sweep of the season against Arizona.
Yankees Looking to Respond After Slow Stretch
The Yankees begin the second half of the season with a 54-42 record.
Despite a difficult stretch across June and July before the All-Star break, New York continues to lead the American League in several major categories:
- 3.37 Team ERA
- 142 Home Runs
- 96 Stolen Bases
The Yankees are currently managing without two key sluggers:
- Aaron Judge (rib fracture)
- Giancarlo Stanton (left calf strain)
First baseman Ben Rice, fresh off his first MLB All-Star appearance, currently leads the Yankees with:
- 29 home runs
- 68 RBIs
Tough Schedule Ahead for New York
The Dodgers vs Yankees series begins an especially challenging run for New York.
Following this matchup, the Yankees will face six more consecutive series against teams that finished the first half with winning records:
- Philadelphia Phillies
- Pittsburgh Pirates
- Chicago White Sox
- Chicago Cubs
- St. Louis Cardinals
- Atlanta Braves
This stretch will play an important role in determining the Yankees’ position in the American League standings.
Broadcast Team for Sunday Night Baseball
NBC has assembled a star-studded broadcast crew for the game.
Play-by-Play
- Jason Benetti
Game Analysts
- Roger Clemens
- Orel Hershiser
Pregame Host
- Bob Costas
Studio Analyst
- CC Sabathia
Sabathia will also provide “Inside the Pitch” analysis during key at-bats throughout the game.
What Happens After the Yankees Series?
After completing the three-game series in New York, the Dodgers will immediately travel to Philadelphia for another three-game series against the Phillies.
Meanwhile, the Yankees continue one of their toughest stretches of the season with multiple series against playoff-caliber opponents.
Final Thoughts
The Dodgers vs Yankees matchup brings together two of baseball’s most iconic franchises in a nationally televised showdown. Along with the historic rivalry, fans will be watching closely to see Shohei Ohtani’s return after his knee treatment and how both teams perform as they begin the second half of the 2026 MLB season.
With championship expectations on both sides, this series promises to be one of the most anticipated matchups of the year.
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