What channel is Pirates vs. Rays on today? Time, TV schedule, live stream to watch MLB Friday Night Baseball game originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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It’s an early season matchup of first-place teams Friday as the Pirates host the Rays to open a weekend series at PNC Park.
Pittsburgh is in the middle of a homestand after wrapping up a four-game set with the Nationals on Thursday. Brandon Lowe continues to pace the Pirates’ offense, ranking among MLB’s leaders in OPS (1.008) and home runs (seven), while Oneil Cruz and Ryan O’Hearn also are off to strong starts at the plate.
While pitching has long been the Rays’ calling card, they’ve had a role reversal of sorts early in 2026. Their staff is near the bottom of MLB with a 4.46 ERA but their .736 team OPS puts them fifth in the majors.
Tampa Bay is expected to send Nick Martinez to the mound Friday evening. He has no decisions this year but has been stellar, allowing four earned runs — all of them coming on homers — across three starts. Bubba Chandler will get the ball for Pittsburgh as he looks to get a handle on his command. The right-hander has walked 12 batters in 14 innings so far but has mostly been able to limit the damage in three starts.
Who will start the weekend with a win? Here’s everything you need to know to watch the series opener.
What channel is Pirates vs. Rays on today?
- TV channel: None
- Live stream: Apple TV
Pirates vs. Rays will not air on traditional television Friday. The game will stream live as part of Apple TV’s “Friday Night Baseball” package.
New subscribers get their first week of Apple TV for free. After that, they can subscribe for just $12.99/month.
Subscribers can watch “Friday Night Baseball” with the Apple TV app, which is available on select smart TVs, Roku devices, Amazon Fire TV, and gaming consoles.
Pirates vs. Rays start time
- Date: Friday, April 17
- Time: 6:45 p.m. ET
First pitch of Pirates vs. Rays on Friday is set for 6:45 p.m. ET. The game will be played at PNC Park in Pittsburgh.
Apple TV ‘Friday Night Baseball’ schedule 2026
Apple and MLB have announced the “Friday Night Baseball” schedule through the end of June. See every upcoming game below.
| Date | Game | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| April 17 | Rays at Pirates | 6:45 p.m. |
| Tigers at Red Sox | 7:15 p.m. | |
| April 24 | Phillies at Braves | 7:15 p.m. |
| Cubs at Dodgers | 10:15 p.m. | |
| May 1 | Reds at Pirates | 6:45 p.m. |
| Royals at Mariners | 9:45 p.m. | |
| May 8 | Twins at Guardians | 7:15 p.m. |
| Cardinals at Padres | 9:45 p.m. | |
| May 15 | Blue Jays at Tigers | 6:45 p.m. |
| Yankees at Mets | 7:15 p.m. | |
| May 22 | Astros at Cubs | 2:20 p.m. |
| Tigers at Orioles | 7:15 p.m. | |
| May 29 | Twins at Pirates | 6:45 p.m. |
| Phillies at Dodgers | 10:15 p.m. | |
| June 5 | Guardians at Rangers | 8:15 p.m. |
| Royals at Twins | 8:15 p.m. | |
| June 12 | Diamondbacks at Reds | 7:15 p.m. |
| Braves at Mets | 7:15 p.m. | |
| June 19 | Cardinals at Royals | 8:15 p.m. |
| Twins at Diamondbacks | 9:45 p.m. | |
| June 26 | Cubs at Brewers | 7:45 p.m. |
| Dodgers at Padres | 9:45 p.m. |
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