Playoff hopefuls vie to get back on track when the Padres host the Royals on "Friday Night Baseball" from scenic Petco Park.
San Diego at last gets a reprieve from playing the Dodgers, having played seven of its last 10 games against the defending World Series champions. The Padres will send veteran right-hander Nick Pivetta to the mound hoping to start a six-game homestand on a high note.
Kansas City, meanwhile, just won its first series since the beginning of June, thanks in part to some newfound life in the lineup.
Superstar shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (.819 OPS) is putting a poor May behind him with an encouraging June. Alongside Witt, third baseman Maikel Garcia (.877 OPS) and first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino (.736 OPS) are beginning to come into their own, too.
Veteran third baseman Manny Machado — hitting .312 with an .873 OPS, through play on Wednesday — anchors the Padres offense. Machado is also the leading vote-getter among National League third basemen in the first All-Star ballot update, which was released earlier this week.
Here's everything that you need to know about watching Padres vs. Royals on "Friday Night Baseball."
Where to watch Padres vs. Royals today: TV channel, live stream
- TV channel: N/A
- Live stream: Apple TV+
Padres vs. Royals will not air on traditional broadcast television. Instead, viewers can stream the game on Apple TV+, which is the exclusive home of "Friday Night Baseball" throughout the 2025 MLB season.
Apple TV+ offers customers a seven-day free trial. Once the trial period ends, subscription plans begin at just $9.99.
Viewers can watch Apple TV+ through the Apple TV+ app, which is available on most smart TVs, streaming devices, and gaming consoles.
Padres vs. Royals start time
- Date: Friday, June 20
- Time: 9:40 p.m. ET | 8:40 p.m. CT | 6:40 p.m. PT
First pitch of Padres vs. Royals is set for 9:40 p.m. ET on Friday, June 20.
The game will be played at Petco Park in San Diego, California, as the two teams open up a three-game series.
Apple TV+ 'Friday Night Baseball' schedule 2025
Apple and MLB have released the "Friday Night Baseball" schedule through the end of July, which you can see below.
| Date | Game | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| June 20 | Mets at Phillies | 7:15 p.m. |
| Royals at Padres | 9:40 p.m. | |
| 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. |