How to Watch Pirates vs. Rays Tonight: Channel, Live Stream & Start Time for Friday MLB Game

Bubba Chandler

How to Watch Pirates vs. Rays Tonight: Channel, Live Stream & Start Time for Friday MLB Game originally appeared on SportsNet Pittsburgh. Add SportsNet Pittsburgh as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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 (.992) 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 4.38 ERA, but their .735 team OPS puts them sixth 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. will take 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.