Apple TV+ announced the first half of their “Friday Night Baseball” schedule for the 2023 season, which includes an exclusive stream of the April 28 game between the St. Louis Cardinals and Los Angeles Dodgers.
Broadcasters for the matchup at Dodger Stadium — and all other Friday Night Baseball streams on Apple TV+ — will be announced at a later date and on a weekly basis.
Dontrelle Willis, who is entering his second season as a Dodgers analyst for SportsNet LA, is among those who will be in the Apple TV+ booth at various points throughout the year. Newcomer to the Dodgers broadcast team, Stephen Nelson, is not returning to call MLB games on the streaming service.
In addition to Willis, Wayne Randazzo (play-by-play), Heidi Watney (sideline reporter), Alex Faust (play-by-play), Ryan Spilborghs (analyst) and Tricia Whitaker (sideline reporter) are also among those who will work game assignments.
Live pre- and postgame coverage will again be hosted by Lauren Gardner, along with Siera Santos. Xavier Scruggs and Matt Joyce will serve as analysts along with journalist Russell Dorsey. Former umpires Brian Gorman and Dale Scott also are going to be part of programming to help explain new MLB rules.
All “Friday Night Baseball” streams will be exclusive broadcasts, just like with national Saturday broadcasts on Fox, “MLB Sunday Leadoff” games on Peacock, and ESPN’s “Sunday Night Baseball.”
The Dodgers had four games on Apple TV+ during the 2022 season, beginning with their Jackie Robinson Day matchup against the Cincinnati Reds. They were back on the streaming service in June and twice in September, including when Albert Pujols hit the 699th and 700th home runs of his career.
Also part of MLB’s contract with Apple this season is the “MLB Big Inning” whip-around show that features live look-ins and in-game highlights every weeknight. Beginning in April, content will include “Countdown to First Pitch,” “MLB Daily Recap” and “MLB This Week.”
Fans can also access additional MLB programming for free in the Apple TV app, including “Friday Night Baseball” condensed game recaps after the completion of the live broadcasts each week, classic games, highlights and interviews, and more.
Apple TV+ subscription required for “Friday Night Baseball”
One change from the inaugural season of “Friday Night Baseball” streams, is fans now will need to have a paid subscription to Apple TV+ in order to watch games.
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