When the 2023 season began, this matchup might have appeared to be among the best on the weekend's calendar: Mets vs. Phillies, a contentious rivalry between a 2022 100-game winner and the reigning National League pennant winner.
The Phillies have lived up to their end of the bargain. They are in control of the top NL wild card spot, and appear nearly a lock to head back to the playoffs. The same can't be said for the Mets. The most expensive team in baseball has endured a dismal campaign, and by the end of the weekend, it is all but certain that they will be officially eliminated from reaching the playoffs in 2023.
That doesn't mean the Mets are going to let their rivals walk over them and into the postseason. New York has handled the Phillies well so far this season, having swept them in New York in May and taking another game on a trip to Philadelphia in June. Following this four-game series, the two will have one more three-game set to end the 2023 season.
MORE: Watch 'Friday Night Baseball' tonight on Apple TV+ (free trial)
The Mets will send to the mound Tylor Megill, one of only three starters left on the team to have cleared the 100-inning threshold. He has pitched to a 4.94 ERA with 92 strikeouts and 55 walks in 113 innings of work. He has not faced Philadelphia this season.
Philadelphia will counter with Taijuan Walker, the staff's No. 3 starter. In 159.2 innings, he has notched a 4.40 ERA with 131 punchouts and 66 walks. The former Met has faced his old team twice, first losing after allowing three runs on two hits and three walks across four innings on June 1 before picking up a win on June 23 after allowing just one run over six innings on three hits and one walk with five strikeouts.
Hoping to catch this NL East rivalry clash? Here's everything you need to know to watch the game.
What channel is Mets vs. Phillies on tonight?
- Live stream: Apple TV+
Friday night's game between the Mets and Phillies will be broadcast on Apple TV+, the exclusive home of "Friday Night Baseball" for the 2023 MLB season.
What time is Mets vs. Phillies tonight?
- First pitch: 7:05 p.m. ET
Mets vs. Phillies is set to start at 7:05 p.m. ET from Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.
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: Giants vs. Dodgers, which will be at 10:10 p.m. ET.
How to live stream Mets vs. Phillies
- Live stream: Apple TV+
Mets vs. Phillies 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.
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, Sept. 22 | New York Mets vs. Philadelphia Phillies | 7 p.m. |
| Friday, Sept. 22 | San Francisco Giants vs. Los Angeles Dodgers | 10 p.m. |
