The Pittsburgh Pirates and Minnesota Twins are preparing to kick off a highly anticipated weekend series. A key highlight of this interleague matchup is the return of promising Pirates pitcher Jared Jones, making his season debut following recovery from elbow surgery. This game, exclusively available through Apple TV's 'Friday Night Baseball' package, will feature a compelling pitching duel between Jones and the Twins' formidable starter, Taj Bradley. The article provides essential viewing information, including streaming details and upcoming schedules for both ballclubs.
This Friday night, baseball fans will witness the Pittsburgh Pirates and Minnesota Twins open their weekend series. The game holds particular significance for the Pirates as it marks the season debut of right-handed pitcher Jared Jones. At just 24 years old, Jones had shown considerable promise in his rookie season two years prior but was sidelined for the entirety of 2025 due to elbow surgery. His return to the mound is eagerly awaited by the Pirates, a team that has been performing solidly this season despite the intense competition within the NL Central, a division where all teams currently boast winning records.
Conversely, the Minnesota Twins find themselves in a different position within the AL Central. While they've had a strong May, shaking off an earlier malaise, they are still looking up at the Guardians in the standings. For this opening game, the Twins are sending one of their most effective pitchers, Taj Bradley, to the mound. Bradley boasts an impressive 5-1 record with a 2.77 ERA, having allowed only 42 hits in 52 innings while striking out 59 batters. This pitching matchup at PNC Park sets the stage for an exciting start to the series.
The game will be exclusively broadcast as part of Apple TV's "Friday Night Baseball" package, meaning it will not be available on traditional television channels. New subscribers to Apple TV can enjoy a free first week, with subsequent access priced at $12.99 per month. The Apple TV app, which supports viewing on various smart TVs, Roku devices, Amazon Fire TV, and gaming consoles, provides the platform for fans to catch all the action. First pitch for the Pirates vs. Twins game is scheduled for 6:45 p.m. ET at PNC Park in Pittsburgh.
Looking ahead, the Pirates have a busy schedule following this series. After concluding their set with the Twins on May 31, they will travel to face the Astros on June 2 and 3. The Twins, after their three-game series against the Pirates, will return home to play the White Sox on June 1 and 2. These upcoming games are crucial for both teams as they continue their campaigns in their respective divisions.
As the Pittsburgh Pirates and Minnesota Twins gear up for their weekend series, all eyes will be on Jared Jones' return to the pitching mound. His rehabilitation from elbow surgery is complete, and he rejoins a Pirates team navigating a competitive NL Central. The Twins, with their strong May performance, will counter with Taj Bradley, setting up an intriguing contest that promises to be a focal point for baseball enthusiasts.
