The Astros and Rangers are expected to battle for the AL West crown this season, and they will renew their in-state rivalry on Friday night.
Houston is the favorite to win the division and has a talented roster led by Jose Altuve and Alex Bregman. Sluggers Kyle Tucker and Yordan Alvarez help anchor a powerful lineup that also includes Chas McCormick and Yainer Diaz.
The Astros' rotation is among the best in MLB with elite pitchers like Framber Valdez, Justin Verlander and Cristian Javier. Those starters are supported by a strong bullpen that includes newly signed Josh Hader.
Houston has set a high bar after reaching the playoffs eight times in the last nine years. The Astros have advanced to at least the ALCS for seven straight seasons, and they have captured two World Series trophies in that span.
The Rangers are coming off their first World Series title in franchise history, and now they are prepared to defend their crown.
Texas will have a formidable rotation when Max Scherzer, Jacob deGrom and Tyler Mahle are all healthy at the same time. In the meantime, Nathan Eovaldi, Jon Gray, Andrew Heaney, Dane Dunning and Cody Bradford are part of the starting rotation.
Marcus Semien and Corey Seager provide power in the lineup. Semien appeared in all 162 games last season and hit 29 home runs. Seager dealt with injuries in 2023, but he still hit 33 home runs for the second consecutive year.
Here is a complete guide to watching Astros vs. Rangers, including the start time, TV schedule and live stream information for the MLB game.
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What channel is Astros vs. Rangers on today?
- TV channel: N/A
- Live stream: Apple TV+
Friday night's game between the Astros and Rangers will be broadcast on Apple TV+, the exclusive home of "Friday Night Baseball" for the 2024 MLB season.
What time is Astros vs. Rangers today?
- First pitch: 8 p.m. ET
Astros vs. Rangers is set to start at 8 p.m. ET from Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. Apple TV+ will also broadcast Mets vs. Reds at 6:30 p.m. ET.
How to live stream Astros vs. Rangers
- Live stream: Apple TV+
Astros vs. Rangers will be available exclusively on 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 $9.99 per month in the United States. Yearly subscriptions begin at $99. In Canada, a monthly subscription is $12.99.
Apple TV+ does offer a free trial for new users, but you will need a subscription to watch "Friday Night Baseball" games beyond that trial.
The service is 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.
Apple TV+ 'Friday Night Baseball' schedule 2024
| Date | Game | First Pitch (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| April 5 | Mets at Reds | 6:30 p.m. |
| April 5 | Astros at Rangers | 8 p.m. |
| April 12 | Brewers at Orioles | 7 p.m. |
| April 12 | Cubs at Mariners | 9:30 p.m. |
| April 19 | Rangers at Braves | 7 p.m. |
| April 19 | Diamondbacks at Giants | 10 p.m. |
| April 26 | Cardinals at Mets | 7 p.m. |
| April 26 | Rays at White Sox | 7:30 p.m. |
| May 3 | Giants at Phillies | 6:30 p.m. |
| May 3 | Blue Jays at Nationals | 6:30 p.m. |
| May 10 | Diamondbacks at Orioles | 7 p.m. |
| May 10 | Royals at Angels | 9:30 p.m. |
| May 17 | Rays at Blue Jays | 7 p.m. |
| May 17 | Twins at Guardians | 7 p.m. |
| May 24 | Brewers at Red Sox | 7 p.m. |
| May 24 | Orioles at White Sox | 7:30 p.m. |
| May 31 | Tigers at Red Sox | 7 p.m. |
| May 31 | Angels at Mariners | 10 p.m. |
| June 7 | Twins at Pirates | 6:30 p.m. |
| June 7 | Dodgers at Yankees | 7 p.m. |
| June 14 | Rangers at Mariners | 10 p.m. |
| June 14 | Angels at Giants | 10 p.m. |
| June 21 | Diamondbacks at Phillies | 6:30 p.m. |
| June 21 | Braves at Yankees | 7 p.m. |
| June 28 | Astros at Mets | 7 p.m. |
| June 28 | Padres at Red Sox | 7 p.m. |