The NL Central race continues to heat up, with the first-place Cubs holding off a number of foes, including the Cardinals.
The two teams kickstart a pivotal three-game series at Wrigley Field, with the opener airing exclusively on Apple TV+.
Chicago is enjoying a resurgent season thanks to a couple of dynamic outfielders: Pete Crow-Armstrong and Kyle Tucker. Both players key a high-octane offense, and they'll be rewarded for their performance with a trip to Atlanta to start the All-Star Game for the National League.
But the NL Central is as competitive as it's been in recent years, and the surprising Cardinals are a chief reason why. Former Cub Willson Contreras fueled the St. Louis lineup with a strong June, when he posted an .881 OPS.
St. Louis will try to make up some ground following a sweep at the hands of the Pirates, with veteran right-hander Miles Mikolas slated to get the ball first in the three-game set.
Here's everything that you need to know about watching Cubs vs. Cardinals on "Friday Night Baseball."
Where to watch Cubs vs. Cardinals today: TV channel, live stream
- TV channel: N/A
- Live stream: Apple TV+
Cubs vs. Cardinals will not air on traditional broadcast television. Instead, viewers can stream the game exclusively on Apple TV+, which is the home for "Friday Night Baseball" during the 2025 MLB season.
Apple TV+ offers a seven-day free trial. Once the trial period ends, subscription plans begin at just $9.99.
Fans can watch Apple TV+ on the Apple TV+ app, which is accessible on most smart TVs, gaming consoles, and streaming devices.
Cubs vs. Cardinals start time
- Date: Friday, July 4
- Time: 2:20 p.m. ET | 1:20 p.m. CT
"Friday Night Baseball" gets a daytime twist, with first pitch for Cubs vs. Cardinals set for 2:20 p.m. ET on Friday, July 4.
The game will be played at Wrigley Field in Chicago.
Apple TV+ 'Friday Night Baseball' schedule 2025
Apple and MLB have released the "Friday Night Baseball" schedule through the end of August, which you can see below.
| Date | Game | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| June 27 | Rays at Orioles | 7:05 p.m. |
| Cardinals at Guardians | 7:10 p.m. | |
| July 4 | Cardinals at Cubs | 2:20 p.m. |
| Angels at Blue Jays | 7:07 p.m. | |
| July 11 | Mariners at Tigers | 7:10 p.m. |
| Diamondbacks at Angels | 9:38 p.m. | |
| July 18 | No games | — |
| July 25 | Phillies at Yankees | 7:05 p.m. |
| Guardians at Royals | 8:10 p.m. | |
| Aug. 1 | Brewers at Nationals | 6:45 p.m. |
| Astros at Red Sox | 7:10 p.m. | |
| Aug. 8 | Reds at Pirates | 6:40 p.m. |
| Astros at Yankees | 7:05 p.m. | |
| Aug. 15 | Brewers at Reds | 6:40 p.m. |
| Rangers at Blue Jays | 7:07 p.m. | |
| Aug. 22 | Royals at Tigers | 7:10 p.m. |
| Mets at Braves | 7:15 p.m. | |
| Aug. 29 | Braves at Phillies | 6:45 p.m. |
| Orioles at Giants | 10:15 p.m. |