The Mariners and Royals are moving in completely different directions, but they have one thing in common: Both teams have one of the most exciting young players in baseball.
Julio Rodriguez has been dominant for Seattle of late, recently notching 21 hits in the span of a week and becoming the first player since 1925 with four consecutive games of at least four hits. Three of those games came against the Royals, who put up an impressive fight against a Mariners team that has been cruising right along since the All-Star break.
While Kansas City’s season took a turn for the worse early on, the rise of Bobby Witt Jr. has made the Royals worth watching in the second half. Witt hasn’t stopped hitting since the break, showcasing a stunning blend of power and speed on an otherwise uninspiring team.
For as well as the Mariners have been playing, last week’s series was proof that beating the Royals isn’t so simple. Seattle still has bullpen issues to sort out as it pursues an AL West title, and Kansas City has another chance to take advantage on Friday.
MORE: Watch 'Friday Night Baseball' tonight on Apple TV+ (free trial)
Here's what you need to know to watch the Mariners host the Royals on Friday night.
What channel is Royals vs. Mariners on tonight?
- Live stream: Apple TV+
Friday night's game between the Royals and Mariners will be broadcast on Apple TV+, the exclusive home of "Friday Night Baseball" for the 2023 MLB season.
What time is Royals vs. Mariners tonight?
- First pitch: 10:10 p.m. ET (7:10 p.m. local time)
Royals vs. Mariners is set to start at 10:10 p.m. ET (7:10 p.m. PT) from T-Mobile Park in Seattle.
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: Dodgers vs. Red Sox at 7:10 p.m. ET.
MORE: Gerrit Cole leads a tight race for AL Cy Young Award
How to live stream Royals vs. Mariners
- Live stream: Apple TV+
Royals vs. Mariners 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, Aug. 25 | Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Boston Red Sox | 7 p.m. |
| Friday, Aug. 25 | Kansas City Royals vs. Seattle Mariners | 10 p.m. |
| Friday, Sept. 1 | Tampa Bay Rays vs. Cleveland Guardians | 7 p.m. |
| Friday, Sept. 1 | Seattle Mariners vs. New York Mets | 7 p.m. |
| Friday, Sept. 8 | St. Louis Cardinals vs. Cincinnati Reds | 6:30 p.m. |
| Friday, Sept. 8 | San Diego Padres vs. Houston Astros | 8 p.m. |
| Friday, Sept. 15 | Tampa Bay Rays vs. Baltimore Orioles | 7 p.m. |
| Friday, Sept. 15 | Philadelphia Phillies vs. St. Louis Cardinals | 8 p.m. |
| 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. |