The series opener between the Houston Astros and Tampa Bay Rays kicks off a weekend where fans need to change their viewing habits.
Friday’s 7:10 p.m. game at Daikin Park is an Apple TV streaming exclusive and will not air on the Space City home network, where most Astros games are aired.
An Apple TV subscription is required to view. Subscription costs $12.99 per month plus tax, but a free seven-day trial is offered to qualified new and returning subscribers.
Alex Faust (reporting), Ryan Spielborgs (analyst) and Trisha Whitaker (field reporter) will call the game on Friday. This is the third Astros game this season on the streamer and the first of two July games on Apple TV. The July 31 home game against the Texas Rangers will also be exclusive to the streamer.
Sunday’s series finale at 2:30 p.m. will also be a streaming exclusive on Peacock as part of “Star Sunday,” which will see every game air on NBC or Peacock, the first time one national rights holder will air all 15 MLB games on the same day.
Saturday’s game at 6:10 p.m. is the only game in the Astros-Rays series that will air on SCHN.