The Diamondbacks–Dodgers rivalry is a

Major League Baseball Major League Baseball (MLB) is a professional baseball league composed of 30 teams, divided equally between the National League (baseball), National League (NL) and the American League (AL), with 29 in the United States and 1 in Canada. MLB i ...

(MLB)

National League National League often refers to: *National League (baseball), one of the two baseball leagues constituting Major League Baseball in the United States and Canada *National League (division), the fifth division of the English football (soccer) system ...

divisional

rivalry A rivalry is the state of two people or groups engaging in a lasting competitive relationship. Rivalry is the "against each other" spirit between two competing sides. The relationship itself may also be called "a rivalry", and each participant ...

played between the

Arizona Diamondbacks The Arizona Diamondbacks are an American professional baseball team based in Phoenix, Arizona. The Diamondbacks compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (NL) West Division. The franchise was established ...

and the

Los Angeles Dodgers The Los Angeles Dodgers are an American professional baseball team based in Los Angeles. The Dodgers compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League West, West Div ...

Chase Field Chase Field, formerly Bank One Ballpark, is a retractable roof, retractable-roof stadium in downtown Phoenix, Arizona. It is the ballpark of Major League Baseball's Arizona Diamondbacks. It opened in 1998 Arizona Diamondbacks season, 1998, the ...

and

Dodger Stadium Dodger Stadium is a ballpark in the Elysian Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, United States. It is the home of the Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball (MLB). Opened in 1962, it was constructed in less than three years at a ...

are only 375 miles apart, mostly along

I-10 Interstate 10 (I-10) is the southernmost transcontinental highway in the Interstate Highway System of the United States. It is the fourth-longest Interstate in the country at , following I-90, I-80, and I-40. It was part of the originall ...

. The Diamondbacks are newcomers to the division; having founded in 1998, winning their first

World Series The World Series is the annual championship series of Major League Baseball (MLB). It has been contested since between the champion teams of the American League (AL) and the National League (NL). The winning team, determined through a best- ...

in 2001. The Dodgers had been one of the oldest teams in the National League, having won eight World Series titles. Both teams saw a rise in competition during the 2010s as they would both regularly qualify for the postseason, notably; regular season meetings between the two would often escalate into aggressive matchups occasionally escalating into fights between both benches. Notably; both teams took part in the most recent MLB Australia Series in 2014. The Dodgers lead the regular season series, 270–202. The two teams have met twice in the postseason, with the Dodgers winning the

2017 National League Division Series The 2017 National League Division Series were two best-of-five-game series to determine the participating teams of the 2017 National League Championship Series. The three divisional winners (seeded 1–3) and a fourth team—the winner of a 2017 ...

3–0, and the Diamondbacks winning the 2023 National League Division Series 3–0.

Background

The rivalry was often dormant for the Diamondbacks' earlier years in the league following their inception in 1998 (the two teams did have a close divisional race in

2008 2008 was designated as: *International Year of Languages *International Year of Planet Earth *International Year of the Potato *International Year of Sanitation The Great Recession, a worldwide recession which began in 2007, continued throu ...

, before the D'Backs fell apart in September), however things quickly began to heat up between both sides during the 2010s as the Dodgers saw a change in management in 2011 after controversial owner Frank McCourt had sold the team. Eventually the Dodgers found their return to the postseason as their strength in competition found new life under different management. The first notable moment of animosity between the two teams took place in September 2011 when both teams began hitting one another with inside pitches, including a notable moment where Clayton Kershaw was ejected on September 13 for throwing a fastball at Arizona outfielder

Gerardo Parra Gerardo Enrique Parra (born May 6, 1987) is a Venezuelan former professional baseball outfielder and current first base coach for the Washington Nationals. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Milwaukee Brewers, ...

's shoulder. The two would continue engaging in aggressive confrontations as the 2012 season would see more retaliatory acts on both sides. During the 2013 season as both teams were engaged in a heated battle for second place of the division; the two sides engaged in a large scuffle on June 13, after Diamondbacks' pitcher

Ian Kennedy Ian Patrick Kennedy (born December 19, 1984) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. Between 2007 and 2023, he played 17 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the New York Yankees, Arizona Diamondbacks, San Diego Padres, Kans ...

drilled Dodgers' outfielder

Yasiel Puig Yasiel Puig Valdés ( , ; born December 7, 1990) is a Cuban-born American professional baseball right fielder who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Cincinnati Reds, and Clevelan ...

in the face with a pitch. Dodgers' then-pitcher

Zack Greinke Donald Zackary Greinke ( ; born October 21, 1983) is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. Greinke last played for the Kansas City Royals, with whom he played across two stints, from his 2004 debut to 2010, and from 202 ...

retaliated by hitting Arizona catcher Miguel Montero while at bat; resulting in both benches clearing in a massive brawl after Kennedy threw a pitch at Greinke the next inning. Kennedy was suspended 10 games for the hit, however; Puig and Greinke received a fine for their part. On September 19, 2013 following a win in Arizona, The Dodgers managed a victory after having clinched the division and eliminating the Diamondbacks. Much to the anger of the Diamondbacks and fans alike; numerous Dodgers' players jumped into the outfield pool at Chase Field. Allegedly; stadium management had warned Dodger personnel against celebrating the win onfield due to the tensions between the two teams. Diamondbacks' then-CEO

Derrick Hall Derrick Martin Hall (born February 17, 1969) is an American sports executive currently serving as the president (corporate title), president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Hall joined the Diamondbacks in May 20 ...

expressed anger at the gesture by the Dodgers, proclaiming: "I could call it disrespectful and classless, but they don't have a beautiful pool at their old park and must have really wanted to see what one was like". Since Arizona did not have an MLB franchise prior to 1998, many residents have supported the Dodgers before the Diamondbacks debuted. Due to the Dodgers' extensive fanbase in the southwestern United States, games between the Dodgers and Diamondbacks at the latter team's home stadium

often have a split crowd in attendance.

2017: First NLDS matchup

On December 8, 2015; Zack Greinke signed a six-year, $206.5 million contract with the Diamondbacks. By 2017; both teams had managed to secure playoff berths as the Diamondbacks finished with 93 wins while the Dodgers finished with 104, leading the division and the league. After winning the Wild Card Game; the Diamondbacks were set to face the Dodgers in the NL Division Series. Despite Arizona's best efforts; they were no match for the Dodgers' copious batting core as they fell in a 3 game sweep. The Dodgers would go on to reach the

2017 World Series The 2017 World Series was the championship series of Major League Baseball's (MLB) 2017 season. The 113th edition of the World Series, it was a best-of-seven playoff played between the National League (NL) champion Los Angeles Dodgers and th ...

, where they lost to the

Houston Astros The Houston Astros are an American professional baseball team based in Houston. The Astros compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League West, West Division. They are one of two major leag ...

in a

controversial Controversy (, ) is a state of prolonged public dispute or debate, usually concerning a matter of conflicting opinion or point of view. The word was coined from the Latin '' controversia'', as a composite of ''controversus'' – "turned in an opp ...

seven-game series.

2023: Second NLDS matchup

The second half of the 2023 season saw the Dodgers win the NL West and the Diamondbacks finish second, securing the final Wild Card spot in the league. Following a 2-game sweep of the

Milwaukee Brewers The Milwaukee Brewers are an American professional baseball team based in Milwaukee. The Brewers compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League Central, Central Di ...

in the NL Wild Card Series, the Diamondbacks were set to once again face the Dodgers in the NL Division Series. Game 1 saw an aggressive showing from the Diamondbacks against

Clayton Kershaw Clayton Edward Kershaw (born March 19, 1988) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball (MLB). A left-handed starting pitcher, Kershaw has spent his entire MLB career with the Dodgers s ...

as they scored 11 runs within the first four innings, running away with the victory. The Diamondbacks would eventually earn a sweep with their 4-2 victories in Games 2 and 3. Notably, Arizona clinched the series at Chase Field, marking their first postseason series win at home since their World Series walkoff victory over the New York Yankees in 2001. Game 3 was also notable for the third inning where Geraldo Perdomo, Ketel Marte, Christian Walker, and Gabriel Moreno each hit a home run in the bottom of the third inning, making it the first time ever in playoff history where a team hit four home runs in one inning. The Diamondbacks later reached the

2023 World Series The 2023 World Series was the World Series, championship series of Major League Baseball's (MLB) 2023 Major League Baseball season, 2023 season, and the 119th edition of the World Series. It was a best-of-seven playoff played between the American ...

, losing to the Texas Rangers in five games. As of May 11, 2025, the Dodgers lead the regular season series 268–201, but are tied with a 3-3 record in postseason meetings (and by extension, are tied 1–1 in postseason series matchups).

Season-by-season results

, - , , style=";" , Dodgers , style=";" , 84 , style=";" , Dodgers, 42 , style=";" , Dodgers, 42 , style=";" , Dodgers
84 , , - , , style=";" , Diamondbacks , style=";" , 76 , style=";" , Diamondbacks, 52 , style=";" , Dodgers, 42 , style=";" , Dodgers
1411 , , - , , style=";" , Diamondbacks , style=";" , 76 , style=";" , Diamondbacks, 51 , style=";" , Dodgers, 52 , style=";" , Dodgers
2018 , , - , , style=";" , Diamondbacks , style=";" , 109 , Tie, 55 , style=";" , Diamondbacks, 54 , style=";" , Dodgers
2928 , MLB changed to an unbalanced schedule in 2001, resulting in 18–19 meetings per year. Diamondbacks win

2001 World Series The 2001 World Series was the World Series, championship series of Major League Baseball's (MLB) 2001 Major League Baseball season, 2001 season. The 97th edition of the World Series, it was a best-of-seven playoff between the National League (ba ...

, - , , style=";" , Dodgers , style=";" , 109 , style=";" , Dodgers, 54 , Tie, 55 , style=";" , Dodgers
3937 , , - , , style=";" , Diamondbacks , style=";" , 109 , Tie, 55 , style=";" , Diamondbacks, 54 , style=";" , Dodgers
4847 , , - , , style=";" , Dodgers , style=";" , 163 , style=";" , Dodgers, 82 , style=";" , Dodgers, 81 , style=";" , Dodgers
6450 , Dodgers take a 49–48 lead on May 29 in the series, a lead they would never relinquish. , - , , style=";" , Diamondbacks , style=";" , 135 , style=";" , Diamondbacks, 54 , style=";" , Diamondbacks, 81 , style=";" , Dodgers
6963 , , - , , style=";" , Dodgers , style=";" , 108 , style=";" , Diamondbacks, 63 , style=";" , Dodgers, 72 , style=";" , Dodgers
7971 , , - , , style=";" , Dodgers , style=";" , 108 , style=";" , Dodgers, 63 , style=";" , Diamondbacks, 54 , style=";" , Dodgers
8979 , , - , , style=";" , Dodgers , style=";" , 108 , style=";" , Diamondbacks, 54 , style=";" , Dodgers, 63 , style=";" , Dodgers
9987 , , - , , style=";" , Dodgers , style=";" , 117 , style=";" , Dodgers, 54 , style=";" , Dodgers, 63 , style=";" , Dodgers
11094 , , - , , style=";" , Dodgers , style=";" , 135 , style=";" , Dodgers, 63 , style=";" , Dodgers, 72 , style=";" , Dodgers
12399 , , - , , style=";" , Diamondbacks , style=";" , 108 , style=";" , Dodgers, 54 , style=";" , Diamondbacks, 63 , style=";" , Dodgers
131109 , , - , , style=";" , Diamondbacks , style=";" , 126 , style=";" , Diamondbacks, 63 , style=";" , Diamondbacks, 63 , style=";" , Dodgers
137121 , , - , , style=";" , Diamondbacks , style=";" , 109 , style=";" , Dodgers, 64 , style=";" , Diamondbacks, 63 , style=";" , Dodgers
146131 , Both AL and NL having balanced teams leads to a balanced schedule of 19 games per season. , - , , style=";" , Dodgers , style=";" , 154 , style=";" , Dodgers, 82 , style=";" , Dodgers, 72 , style=";" , Dodgers
161135 , , - , , style=";" , Dodgers , style=";" , 136 , style=";" , Dodgers, 54 , style=";" , Dodgers, 82 , style=";" , Dodgers
174141 , , - , , style=";" , Dodgers , style=";" , 127 , Tie, 55 , style=";" , Dodgers, 72 , style=";" , Dodgers
186148 , , - , , style=";" , Diamondbacks , style=";" , 118 , style=";" , Diamondbacks, 63 , Tie, 55 , style=";" , Dodgers
194159 , Dodgers lose

, - style="background:#f2f2f2; font-weight:bold;" , 2017 NLDS , style=";" , Dodgers , style=";" , 30 , style=";" , Dodgers, 10 , style=";" , Dodgers, 20 , style=";" , Dodgers
197159 , First postseason meeting between the two clubs. , - , , style=";" , Diamondbacks , style=";" , 118 , style=";" , Diamondbacks, 73 , style=";" , Dodgers, 54 , style=";" , Dodgers
205170 , Dodgers lose

2018 World Series The 2018 World Series was the World Series, championship series of Major League Baseball's 2018 Major League Baseball season, 2018 season. The 114th edition of the World Series, it was a best-of-seven playoff played between the American League ( ...

, - , , style=";" , Dodgers , style=";" , 118 , style=";" , Diamondbacks, 64 , style=";" , Dodgers, 72 , style=";" , Dodgers
216178 , , - , , style=";" , Dodgers , style=";" , 82 , style=";" , Dodgers, 52 , style=";" , Dodgers, 30 , style=";" , Dodgers
224180 , Season shortened to 60 games (with 10 meetings) due to

COVID-19 pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic (also known as the coronavirus pandemic and COVID pandemic), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), began with an disease outbreak, outbreak of COVID-19 in Wuhan, China, in December ...

Dodgers win

2020 World Series The 2020 World Series was the championship series of Major League Baseball's 2020 season. The 116th World Series was a best-of-seven-playoff between the American League (AL) champion Tampa Bay Rays and the National League (NL) champion Los An ...

. , - , , style=";" , Dodgers , style=";" , 163 , style=";" , Dodgers, 72 , style=";" , Dodgers, 91 , style=";" , Dodgers
240183 , , - , , style=";" , Dodgers , style=";" , 145 , style=";" , Dodgers, 73 , style=";" , Dodgers, 72 , style=";" , Dodgers
254188 , , - , , style=";" , Dodgers , style=";" , 85 , Tie, 33 , style=";" , Dodgers, 52 , style=";" , Dodgers
262193 , New schedule structure started this season to allow every team to play one series against every interleague team. Shortening meetings from 19 to 13 games.
Diamondbacks lose

. , - style="background:#f2f2f2; font-weight:bold;"-= , 2023 NLDS , style=";" , Diamondbacks , style=";" , 30 , style=";" , Diamondbacks, 10 , style=";" , Diamondbacks, 20 , style=";" , Dodgers
262196 , Second postseason meeting.
In a reversal from the 2017 NLDS, Diamondbacks sweep Dodgers, marking the first time Dodgers have been swept in a playoff series since the 2006 NLDS. , - , , style=";" , Dodgers , style=";" , 76 , style=";" , Dodgers, 52 , style=";" , Diamondbacks, 42 , style=";" , Dodgers
269202 , Dodgers win

2024 World Series The 2024 World Series was the World Series, championship series of Major League Baseball's (MLB) 2024 Major League Baseball season, 2024 season. The 120th edition of the World Series, it was a best-of-seven playoff between the National League (b ...

, - , , style=";" , Dodgers , style=";" , 43 , Tie, 22 , style=";" , Dodgers, 21 , style=";" , Dodgers
273205 , Upcoming at Dodgers, August 2931''
''Upcoming at Diamondbacks, September 2325'' , - , Regular season games , style=";" , Dodgers , style=";" , 270202 , style=";" , Dodgers, 129112 , style=";" , Dodgers, 14190 , , - , Postseason games , Tie , 33 , Tie, 11 , Tie, 22 , , - , Postseason series , Tie , 11 , N/A , N/A , NLDS: , , - , Regular and postseason , style=";" , Dodgers , style=";" , 273205 , style=";" , Dodgers, 130113 , style=";" , Dodgers, 14392 ,

Connections between the teams

References