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USA Today

The Reds are looking to make a run at the NL Central title this season, but they will shift their attention to the NL East when they host the Mets on Friday night in Cincinnati.

The Reds are no longer in rebuild mode and have one of baseball's most exciting players in Elly De La Cruz. The 22-year-old is one of the fastest players in the league, making him an electrifying presence when he gets on base.

However, the Reds are dealing with some early-season challenges. Top prospect Noelvi Marte was suspended 80 games because of a PED violation. Outfielder TJ Friedl is out with a right wrist injury, and Matt McLain is still recovering from left shoulder surgery.

The Mets, meanwhile, have to compete in one of the toughest divisions in MLB. New York owns a potent lineup featuring Francisco Lindor, Pete Alonso and Francisco Alvarez.

The pitching will remain a big question throughout the season, though. Luis Severino, Sean Manaea and Kodai Senga should help anchor the staff, but there are depth issues, especially after the Mets traded Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer last year.

Here is a complete guide to watching Mets vs. Reds, including the start time, TV schedule and live stream information for the MLB game.

What channel is Mets vs. Reds on today?

Friday night's game between the Mets and Reds will be broadcast on Apple TV+, the exclusive home of "Friday Night Baseball" for the 2024 MLB season.

What time is Mets vs. Reds today?

  • First pitch: 6:30 p.m. ET

Mets vs. Reds is set to start at 6:30 p.m. ET from the Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati. Apple TV+ will also broadcast Astros vs. Rangers at 8 p.m. ET.

How to live stream Mets vs. Reds

Mets vs. Reds 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

DateGameFirst Pitch (ET)
April 5Mets at Reds6:30 p.m.
April 5Astros at Rangers8 p.m.
April 12Brewers at Orioles7 p.m.
April 12Cubs at Mariners9:30 p.m.
April 19Rangers at Braves7 p.m.
April 19Diamondbacks at Giants10 p.m.
April 26Cardinals at Mets7 p.m.
April 26Rays at White Sox7:30 p.m.
May 3Giants at Phillies6:30 p.m.
May 3Blue Jays at Nationals6:30 p.m.
May 10Diamondbacks at Orioles7 p.m.
May 10Royals at Angels9:30 p.m.
May 17Rays at Blue Jays7 p.m.
May 17Twins at Guardians7 p.m.
May 24Brewers at Red Sox7 p.m.
May 24Orioles at White Sox 7:30 p.m.
May 31Tigers at Red Sox7 p.m.
May 31Angels at Mariners10 p.m.
June 7Twins at Pirates6:30 p.m.
June 7Dodgers at Yankees7 p.m.
June 14Rangers at Mariners10 p.m.
June 14Angels at Giants10 p.m.
June 21Diamondbacks at Phillies6:30 p.m.
June 21Braves at Yankees7 p.m.
June 28Astros at Mets7 p.m.
June 28Padres at Red Sox7 p.m.

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Author(s)
Todd Karpovich Photo

Todd Karpovich is a freelance contributor to The Sporting News. He is also a frequent contributor to the Associated Press, the Baltimore Sun, and PressBox, among other media outlets nationwide, including the Boston Globe, Dallas Morning News, Boston Herald, and Chicago Tribune. He is the author of “If These Walls Could Talk: Stories from the Baltimore Ravens Sideline, Locker Room, and Press Box”; “Skipper Supreme: Buck Showalter and the Baltimore Orioles”; “Manchester United (Europe's Best Soccer Clubs),” “Derek Jeter and the New York Yankees,” and “Michigan State Spartans (Inside College Football).”