Even with the Cardinals falling to the bottom of the division, the Brewers look like they could be locked in a serious fight with the Pirates and Cubs for the NL Central this season.
Milwaukee hit a skid after a hot start, but the team's impressive pitching staff and handful of power bats have been enough to keep the Brewers above .500 and in position to pounce in the division. A weekend series against the dismal Royals is a huge opportunity for the Brewers to stockpile wins.
The results haven't been there for Kansas City this year, as the Royals seem poised to miss the postseason for the eighth consecutive season. That doesn't mean there aren't exciting pieces in Kansas City. Salvador Perez has been scorching hot in May, while the young tandem of Bobby Witt Jr. and Vinnie Pasquantino is giving Royals fans a reason to have hope going forward.
MORE: Watch Friday Night Baseball tonight on Apple TV+ (free trial)
Can Kansas City's young core string together any road wins against a contending Brewers team?
Here's what you need to know to watch Royals vs. Brewers on Friday night, including start time and streaming options.
What channel is Royals vs. Brewers tonight?
Friday night's series opener between the Royals and Brewers will be broadcast exclusively on Apple TV+.
Royals vs. Brewers is part of a package of Friday night MLB games broadcast exclusively on Apple TV+ this season.
What time is Royals vs. Brewers tonight?
- Date: Friday, May 12
- Start time: 8:10 p.m. ET (7:10 p.m. CT)
Royals vs. Brewers is set to start at 8:10 p.m. ET (7:10 p.m. local time) on Friday night from American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisc.
How to live stream Royals vs. Brewers
Friday night's matchup between the Royals and Brewers can be live streamed exclusively on Apple TV+.
MORE: How to watch MLB games free without cable in 2023
How much does Apple TV+ cost?
Apple TV+ starts at $6.99 a month. Yearly subscriptions begin at $69. Last season, the service was free for those trying to watch "Friday Night Baseball," but that is now 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.
MLB Friday Night Baseball schedule 2023
Below is the current schedule for Friday Night Baseball games on Apple TV+ this season, through June 30.
| Date | Game | First pitch (ET) |
| Friday, May 12 | Kansas City Royals vs. Milwaukee Brewers | 8 p.m. |
| Friday, May 12 | Chicago Cubs vs. Minnesota Twins | 8 p.m. |
| Friday, May 19 | Baltimore Orioles vs. Toronto Blue Jays | 7 p.m. |
| Friday, May 19 | Seattle Mariners vs. Atlanta Braves | 7 p.m. |
| Friday, May 26 | San Diego Padres vs. New York Yankees | 7 p.m. |
| Friday, May 26 | Chicago White Sox vs. Detroit Tigers | 6:30 p.m. |
| Friday, June 2 | Milwaukee Brewers vs. Cincinnati Reds | 5 p.m. |
| Friday, June 2 | Cleveland Guardians vs. Minnesota Twins | 8 p.m. |
| Friday, June 9 | Kansas City Royals vs. Baltimore Orioles | 7 p.m. |
| Friday, June 9 | Seattle Mariners vs. Los Angeles Angels | 9:30 p.m. |
| Friday, June 16 | Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Milwaukee Brewers | 8 p.m. |
| Friday, June 16 | Chicago White Sox vs. Seattle Mariners | 10 p.m. |
| Friday, June 23 | Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Miami Marlins | 6:30 p.m. |
| Friday, June 23 | New York Mets vs. Philadelphia Phillies | 7 p.m. |
| Friday, June 30 | Milwaukee Brewers vs. Pittsburgh Pirates | 7 p.m. |
| Friday, June 30 | Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Los Angeles Angels | 9:30 p.m. |