For Dodger fans still caught in the five-year-long crossfire between Charter Communications, which includes Dodgers Spectrum SportsNet LA, and their rivals DirecTV, AT&T U-verse, and DISH Network, don’t expect a reprieve any time soon.

That being said, those within the Spectrum SportsNet LA blackout areas were thrown a bone this past week; albeit a very small one.

On Friday, it was announced that Spectrum Networks has agreed to simulcast five early season Dodgers games on KTLA5, Tribune Broadcasting’s popular Los Angeles-based television station.

As noted above, Dodgers games will remain exclusive for Charter subscribers, with other cable/internet service subscribers remaining out of the SportsNet LA loop for the 2018 season.

Here are the five games to be simulcast on SportsNet LA and KTLA5 this season:

• Friday, March 30: vs. Giants, 7:10 p.m.
• Saturday, April 7: at Giants, 12:30 p.m.
• Friday, April 13: vs. Diamondbacks, 7:10 p.m.
• Saturday, April 21: vs. Nationals, 6:10 p.m.
• Saturday, April 28: at Giants, 6:05 p.m.

In addition to the above five games, Dodger fans without access to Spectrum SportsNet LA will be able to watch the following games – including Opening Day – on ESPN on the following dates:

• Thursday, March 29: vs. Giants, 4:10 p.m. (ESPN)
• Sunday, April 1: vs. Giants, 5:37 p.m. (ESPN)
• Sunday, April 22: vs. Nationals, 5:05 p.m. (ESPN)
  (Note: More ESPN Dodgers broadcasts will undoubtedly be added during the season)

As an added bonus, KTLA5 will also air SportsNet LA’s popular Access SportsNet: Dodgers prior to each of the five scheduled simulcast games.

This most certainly isn’t a be-all to end-all for the on-going cable company dispute, but at least it’s a step in the right direction.

… even if only a baby step.