The Yankees have been eliminated by the Astros in four of the last eight seasons, and Houston once again seems to be two steps ahead this season.
As the Yankees hover outside the postseason picture with the clock beginning to tick, the Astros have surged back into AL West contention and started to play like a team that has a chance to win another championship. After acquiring Justin Verlander on Tuesday and getting a no-hitter out of Framber Valdez later that same night, Houston is rolling into a hostile environment with all of the momentum.
The Yankees will have to wait until the weekend to face Verlander and Valdez, but that doesn't mean it'll be easy for Aaron Boone's team on Friday. Luis Severino will get the start for New York, fresh off of a disastrous outing in Baltimore. As Severino struggles to find any kind of rhythm, a healthy Astros lineup might be ready to pounce.
Rookie Hunter Brown will get the start for the Astros. While he has struggled over the last two months, Brown is coming off back-to-back starts with just two earned runs allowed and will try to take advantage of a Yankees offense that has had a tough time establishing itself — even with Aaron Judge back in the lineup.
MORE: Watch 'Friday Night Baseball' tonight on Apple TV+ (free trial)
Here's what you need to know to watch the Yankees host the Astros on Friday night.
What channel is Astros vs. Yankees on tonight?
- Live stream: Apple TV+
Friday night's game between the Astros and Yankees will be broadcast on Apple TV+, the exclusive home of "Friday Night Baseball" for the 2023 MLB season.
What time is Astros vs. Yankees tonight?
- First pitch: 7:05 p.m. ET
Astros vs. Yankees is set to start at 7:05 p.m. ET from Yankee Stadium on Friday.
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: Rays vs. Tigers at 6:40 p.m. ET.
How to live stream Astros vs. Yankees
- Live stream: Apple TV+
Astros vs. Yankees 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: Grading the Astros' Justin Verlander trade
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, Aug. 4 | Tampa Bay Rays vs. Detroit Tigers | 6:40 p.m. |
| Friday, Aug. 4 | Houston Astros vs. New York Yankees | 7:05 p.m. |
| Friday, Aug. 11 | Chicago Cubs vs. Toronto Blue Jays | 7 p.m. |
| Friday, Aug. 11 | Texas Rangers vs. San Francisco Giants | 10 p.m. |
| Friday, Aug. 18 | Toronto Blue Jays vs. Cincinnati Reds | 6:30 p.m. |
| Friday, Aug. 18 | Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees | 7 p.m. |
| Friday, Aug. 25 | Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Boston Red Sox | 7 p.m. |
| Friday, Aug. 25 | Kansas City Royals vs. Seattle Mariners | 10 p.m. |
