Are we in for a World Series preview on Friday night? After coming extremely close to meeting in the 2020 World Series, the Rays and Braves lead their respective leagues and have their sights set on a championship run.
While the Rays were at their best early in the season, the Braves have turned into a run-scoring juggernaut leading up to the All-Star break. Led by Ronald Acuna Jr. and his MVP-caliber campaign, Atlanta easily leads all of baseball with 1.93 home runs per game.
The Rays are the AL's leader in home runs per game, so there could be some fireworks in this matchup.
Former Rays pitcher Charlie Morton will be on the mound for the Braves, while his former teammate Tyler Glasnow will get the ball for the Rays. As impressive as the Rays have been, Glasnow looks like he will have the tougher challenge of slowing down the Braves, who are 18-2 over their last 20 games. Atlanta's offense is simply firing on all cylinders.
MORE: Watch 'Friday Night Baseball' tonight on Apple TV+ (free trial)
Here's what you need to know to watch the Rays host the Braves on Friday night.
What channel is Braves vs. Rays on tonight?
- Live stream: Apple TV+
Friday night's game between the Braves and Rays will be broadcast on Apple TV+, the exclusive home of "Friday Night Baseball" for the 2023 MLB season.
What time is Braves vs. Rays tonight?
- First pitch: 6:40 p.m. ET
Braves vs. Rays from Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg is set to begin at 6:40 p.m. ET.
Apple TV+ will have pregame coverage throughout the day with curated articles for each team and MLB. Fans can watch the "Countdown to First Pitch" pregame show 15 minutes prior to the start of the game.
Apple TV+ will broadcast another game on Friday night: Orioles vs. Twins from Target Field in Minnesota at 8:10 p.m. ET (7:10 p.m. CT).
How to live stream Braves vs. Rays
- Live stream: Apple TV+
Braves vs. Rays will be available exclusively through Apple TV+, but there are still different ways to stream the game. Apple TV+ is available to stream on your phone, tablet, computer and smart TV, as well as streaming devices such as Apple TV, Roku and Amazon Fire TV stick.
MORE: 2023 Home Run Derby odds, sleepers
How much does Apple TV+ cost?
The service starts at $6.99 a month in the U.S. Yearly subscriptions begin at $69. In Canada, a monthly subscription is $8.99 CAD.
Last season, the service was free for those trying to watch "Friday Night Baseball," but that is no longer an option. Apple does offer a seven-day free trial for new sign-ups, but you will need a subscription to watch MLB's "Friday Night Baseball" games beyond that.
The service is also home to the hit show "Ted Lasso," among other original series. It also operates MLS Season Pass, which allows fans to watch every MLS game without blackout restrictions, for an additional fee.
Apple TV+ 'Friday Night Baseball' 2023 schedule
| Date | Game | Time (ET) |
| Friday, July 7 | Atlanta Braves vs. Tampa Bay Rays | 6:30 p.m. |
| Friday, July 7 | Baltimore Orioles vs. Minnesota Twins | 8 p.m. |
| Friday, July 14 | Los Angeles Dodgers vs. New York Mets | 7 p.m. |
| Friday, July 14 | San Francisco Giants vs. Pittsburgh Pirates | 7 p.m. |
| Friday, July 21 | St. Louis Cardinals vs. Chicago Cubs | 2:20 p.m. |
| Friday, July 21 | San Diego Padres vs. Detroit Tigers | 6:30 p.m. |
| Friday, July 28 | Cleveland Guardians vs. Chicago White Sox | 7 p.m. |
| Friday, July 28 | Los Angeles Angels vs. Toronto Blue Jays | 7 p.m. |
