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What channel is Pirates vs. Rays on today? Time, TV schedule, live stream to watch MLB Friday Night Baseball game
TL;DR
The Pirates face the Rays today at PNC Park in a matchup of first-place teams. The game will be broadcasted on MLB Friday Night Baseball.
Key points
- Pirates host Rays at PNC Park
- Both teams are in first place
- Brandon Lowe leads Pirates in OPS and home runs
- Nick Martinez starts for Rays
- Bubba Chandler starts for Pirates
Mentioned in this story
PNC Park
Pittsburgh PiratesTampa Bay RaysBrandon LoweOneil Cruz
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. Add The Sporting News 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 (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?
Q&A
What time does the Pirates vs. Rays game start today?
The Pirates vs. Rays game starts in the evening, but the exact time is not specified in the provided information.
What channel is airing the Pirates vs. Rays game?
The game will be aired on MLB Friday Night Baseball, but the specific channel is not mentioned.
Who are the starting pitchers for the Pirates vs. Rays game?
Bubba Chandler is starting for the Pirates, while Nick Martinez is on the mound for the Rays.
Where is the Pirates vs. Rays game being played?
The game is being played at PNC Park in Pittsburgh.
