The Philadelphia Phillies are set to face the Los Angeles Dodgers, featuring star player Shohei Ohtani, in a highly anticipated game this evening. However, fans hoping to catch the action on NBC Sports Philadelphia or other network TV will be disappointed, as the game will stream exclusively on Apple TV.
As reported by Inquirer.com, this game is part of Apple TV’s Friday Night Baseball doubleheader, scheduled to start at 10:15 p.m. The game marks the fifth season of Apple TV’s seven-year, $595 million deal with Major League Baseball (MLB), which will continue through the 2028 season. The subscription cost has nearly doubled from $6.99 to $12.99 per month, although a free one-month trial is available for new users.
Streaming Exclusivity and Features
Despite the frustrations associated with streaming, Apple TV offers unique features that enhance the viewing experience. Notably, viewers can switch the audio feed to 94.1 WIP, allowing fans to hear the play-by-play commentary from Scott Franzke and Kevin Stocker, which syncs perfectly with Apple TV’s high-quality visuals and minimalist graphics. However, some viewers have noted that the constant updates on gambling odds can be distracting.
“For us, it’s business as usual,” said Scott Franzke regarding the transition to Apple TV. “There might be a few extra people listening or consuming the game that way, but for us, it doesn’t really change a whole lot.”
Broadcast Team and Game Coverage
Wayne Randazzo, the television voice of the Los Angeles Angels and cousin of MLB umpire Tony Randazzo, will call tonight’s game for Apple TV. He will be joined by former Phillies pitcher and analyst Dontrelle Willis, with Heidi Watney reporting from Dodgers Stadium. This trio shares a unique bond, having previously worked with the Kane County Cougars, a minor league team in Illinois.
For those who prefer not to pay to watch the game, it will still be available to listen to on WIP. Fans can also check local bars or restaurants, as the game is likely to be broadcast due to Apple TV’s partnership with DirecTV; however, it is recommended to call ahead to confirm.
Future Broadcasts and Schedule
The Philadelphia Phillies will return to NBC Sports Philadelphia for their late Saturday night game, where Tom McCarthy and John Kruk will provide commentary. Although tonight’s game is the last currently scheduled to be shown on Apple TV, it is expected that Bryce Harper and the Phillies will feature in additional Friday Night Baseball games after the All-Star break. Apple TV plans to announce its second-half schedule in June.
