“Friday Night Baseball” on Apple TV is back for 2026! This week's slate features the start of a key postseason battle, with the top two teams in the AL West squaring off. The NL West also comes into the spotlight, with a team looking to make a playoff push ahead of Monday's Trade Deadline.
Rangers at Astros, 8:15 p.m. ET (WATCH HERE)
The American League is largely still wide open as we near August, and that's especially true in the AL West. The top three teams are within three games of each other, with the Rangers holding a half-game lead over the Astros entering Friday's series opener. Houston has been on a torrid pace to get to this point, winning eight of its last nine and turning around a 12-20 start to the season. AL MVP front runner Yordan Alvarez is a big reason why. The slugger is leading MLB with 35 home runs and has a legitimate shot at the Triple Crown, leading the AL in batting average (.321) and RBIs (80). Shortstop Jeremy Peña has also been red-hot, taking home AL Player of the Week last week. The Rangers, meanwhile, just took three of four from the Mariners to surge ahead. They're getting healthier -- with Corey Seager and Josh Jung expected back in the coming days -- and have outfielder Wyatt Langford (.837 OPS in July) firing on all cylinders. Friday's start to the Lone Star State battle features a fantastic pitching matchup, with Astros ace Hunter Brown (2-1, 3.45 ERA) facing veteran Nathan Eovaldi (10-8, 4.05 ERA).
Giants at Padres, 9:45 p.m. ET (WATCH HERE)
This roller coaster Padres season is reaching its latest peak. San Diego just snapped a five-game winning streak -- perfectly timed ahead of the Trade Deadline. They've dealt with rumors and speculation regarding superstar closer Mason Miller and several others, but they're also sitting just two games out of a Wild Card spot. A successful weekend against San Francisco could determine where this club is headed moving forward, with Fernando Tatis Jr. (.290/.377/.401 this month) leading the charge on offense. The Giants will try to play spoiler against their division rivals. The club is facing a sell-off by Monday, with Luis Arraez (MLB-best .328 average) and Robbie Ray (3.08 ERA) prime candidates to move. Friday's game will send San Francisco rookie Carson Whisenhunt (2-1, 4.60 ERA) to the hill opposite San Diego opener Bradgley Rodriguez, who should be followed by Germán Márquez (4-2, 5.17 ERA).
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With MLB and Apple continuing their partnership in 2026, Apple TV will once again be bringing baseball fans a weekly Friday night doubleheader. “Friday Night Baseball,” which includes live pre- and postgame shows, will stream exclusively on Apple TV and be free from local broadcast restrictions.
How can I watch?
Fans with an Apple TV subscription can access “Friday Night Baseball” through the Apple TV app by choosing any of these three options:
- Launch the Apple TV app and select the game directly from there.
- From the MLB.TV app, tap on Apple TV Game to be redirected to the Apple TV app (where available).
- Visit https://tv.apple.com/ and log in with or create an Apple ID.
Do I need to pay to watch live games on Apple TV?
Yes. An Apple TV subscription is required to view live games.
Do I need an Apple account to watch the games?
Yes. You need to have an Apple ID. Your Apple ID is the account you use across all your Apple devices, including your iPhone. Learn how to create a new Apple ID here.
How do I sign in to watch the games on Apple TV?
Log in with your Apple ID. Learn how to watch Friday Night Baseball here.
On what devices can I watch the games?
See all the ways to watch Apple TV here.
What if I have a question about Apple TV?
If you have any questions regarding your account, subscription or other issues, click here.