Ricky Bottalico and Michael Barkann evaluate the Phillies’ season at the All-Star break and discuss what they need to improve to make the playoffs.
The push for the postseason is about to begin.
The Philadelphia Phillies return from the All-Star break with a matchup against the visiting Chicago Cubs on Friday night. It will be the first of three games between the two clubs at Citizens Bank Park.
The Phils went into the break on a high note, sweeping the Miami Marlins in South Florida. They'll now look to carry that momentum into the second half of the season as they sit in the National League's third and final wild card spot at 49-43, with the St. Louis Cardinals (50-44) and San Francisco Giants (48-44) right on their heels.
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This will be the Phillies' first meeting with the Cubs this season, and a sweep could be in store for the home team as Chicago boasts MLB's fourth-worst record at 35-57.
Here's what you need to know to watch Friday's Phillies-Cubs game:
What channel is the Phillies' game on today?
The opening game of the Phillies-Cubs series won't be available on cable TV.
MLB
How can I watch the Phillies' game today?
Friday's Phillies-Cubs game will only be shown on Apple TV+. An Apple TV+ subscription is not required to stream the game, but you do need an Apple account.
For information on which devices you can access the Apple TV app with, click here. You can stream the game online through Apple TV+ here.
What time does today's Phillies game start?
First pitch at Citizens Bank Park is set for 7:05 p.m. ET.
Who is pitching for the Phillies today?
Kyle Gibson will be on the hill for the Phillies. Gibson threw six innings of one-run ball against the Marlins his last time out, which resulted in a 2-1 Phillies victory. The winning effort improved the right-hander's numbers this season to 5-3 with a 4.35 ERA.
Gibson's pitching counterpart will be left-hander Justin Steele. The Cubs southpaw has made 17 starts this season, going 3-6 with a 4.15 ERA. This will be Steele's first time facing the Phils in his two-year career.