The Los Angeles Dodgers host the San Francisco Giants on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium, with first pitch scheduled for 9:10 PM ET. Tarik Skubal gets the ball for Los Angeles in a rivalry matchup that carries real weight this late in the regular season. San Francisco has not announced a probable starter. The game airs locally on SportsNet LA and on radio at Dodgers Radio AM570, with Spanish-language coverage on KTNQ 1020.

Pitching Matchup: Skubal Leads the Way for Los Angeles

Tarik Skubal draws the start for the Dodgers, and his presence at the top of the rotation is a significant advantage heading into this one. The Giants have not named a probable starter as of this writing, which creates a layer of uncertainty for San Francisco's planning and gives Los Angeles a clear edge in knowing what it has on the mound.

Skubal's assignment in a late-September home game against a division rival underscores his importance to this rotation. Watch his pitch mix and how he attacks Jung Hoo Lee and Victor Bericoto in the heart of the Giants' order — those matchups could define the game's early trajectory.

Dodgers Starting Lineup

• Mookie Betts — SS
• Freddie Freeman — 1B
• Will Smith — C
• Max Muncy — 3B
• Teoscar Hernández — LF
• Kyle Tucker — RF
• Josue De Paula — DH
• Tommy Edman — CF
• Alex Freeland — 2B

Giants Starting Lineup

• Jonah Cox — CF
• Turner Hill — LF
• Victor Bericoto — DH
• Jung Hoo Lee — RF
• Brett Harris — 1B
• Shay Whitcomb — 3B
• Andrew Knizner — C
• Osleivis Basabe — 2B
• Christian Koss — SS

Keys to Watch Saturday Night

The Top of the Dodgers Order Must Set the Tone

Mookie Betts leading off at shortstop, followed immediately by Freddie Freeman, gives Los Angeles as dangerous a 1-2 punch as any lineup in the league. If those two get on base early and consistently, they create pressure that filters all the way down to Max Muncy and Kyle Tucker. The Giants' unannounced starter will need to navigate that top half of the order carefully, or this game could get out of hand fast.

Josue De Paula's Role as DH

The rookie De Paula slots in at designated hitter and bats seventh — a notable spot in a lineup loaded with experienced hitters. His ability to hold his own against opposing pitching will be worth tracking as he continues to develop at the major league level.

San Francisco's Lineup Construction

The Giants are running out a lineup that leans on Jung Hoo Lee in the cleanup spot and Brett Harris at first base. Skubal will need to be sharp against Lee in particular — the outfielder has the tools to do damage when pitchers miss their spots. Andrew Knizner behind the plate and Christian Koss at short round out a lineup that Skubal should be capable of managing with his stuff.

Prediction

With Skubal on the mound and the Dodgers at home at UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles holds the advantage here. The Giants' starter question mark only reinforces that edge. Expect the Dodgers' offense to do enough damage early, and Skubal to keep San Francisco's lineup in check deep into the game. Dodgers win, 5-2.