How to Watch Jared Jones’ Season Debut: TV Channel, Live Stream and Start Time for Pirates vs. Twins
The Pittsburgh Pirates and Minnesota Twins open a weekend series Friday night at PNC Park, with the focus on Pirates right-hander Jared Jones making his season debut. Jones will take the mound for his first major league start since September 27, 2024, after finishing his recovery from elbow surgery. The 24-year-old missed the entire 2025 season, but he returns after a promising rookie campaign that showed why Pittsburgh is eager to get him back in the rotation.
The Pirates enter the matchup playing solid baseball, though they remain stuck in a competitive NL Central where every team currently has a winning record. Pittsburgh has been hanging around the race but has struggled to gain ground in the standings. The Twins, meanwhile, have recovered from a slow April and put together a stronger May to move back into the middle of the AL Central pack. Minnesota has been trying to keep pace with the division leaders and will look to carry that momentum into the series opener in Pittsburgh.
Friday’s game will not be shown on traditional television. Instead, Pirates vs. Twins will stream live exclusively on Apple TV as part of its “Friday Night Baseball” package. Fans can watch through the Apple TV app on supported smart TVs, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and gaming consoles. New subscribers are eligible for a free first week of Apple TV, after which the service costs $12.99 per month.
First pitch is scheduled for 6:45 p.m. ET on Friday at PNC Park. The game begins a three-game set between the clubs, with the remaining matchups scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. Pittsburgh and Minnesota each enter the series looking to build momentum as June approaches, making Jones’ return and the pitching matchup a central storyline.
The Pirates will hope Jones can provide an immediate boost to a rotation that has been waiting for him since his injury setback. His return adds intrigue to a game that already carries significance for both clubs, with Pittsburgh trying to stay relevant in a crowded division and Minnesota looking to strengthen its standing in the AL Central. The series opener offers both teams a chance to start the weekend with an important win.
