You’re staring at the calendar, it’s mid-January, and let’s be real—Philadelphia is cold. The Linc is buzzing with playoff energy, but for a certain segment of the population, the only thing that matters is when the first pitch crosses the plate at Citizens Bank Park or BayCare Ballpark. If you’re asking what time is the phillies game on saturday, you might be a little ahead of the curve, or perhaps just planning that inevitable Florida pilgrimage.
Right now, as of January 18, 2026, there is no Phillies game today.
Baseball is a seasonal beast. We are currently in the heart of the "Hot Stove" season, where rumors about starting pitching depth and bullpen arms dominate the airwaves on WIP. But the actual games? They’re still a few weeks away. If you are looking for the very first Saturday game of the 2026 campaign, you have to look toward February.
The First Saturday: February 21, 2026
The wait ends on Saturday, February 21, 2026.
That is the official kickoff for the Grapefruit League. The Phillies will be traveling to Dunedin to take on the Toronto Blue Jays. If you’re wondering what time is the phillies game on saturday for that specific opener, the first pitch is scheduled for 1:07 PM EST.
Dunedin’s TD Ballpark is a cozy spot, but it’s a road game. If you're looking for that home-field Clearwater vibe, you’ll have to wait exactly one more week.
On Saturday, February 28, 2026, the Phillies have a split-squad situation. This is where things get a bit confusing for casual fans. Half the team will be staying in Dunedin to face the Blue Jays again at 1:07 PM EST, while the other half of the roster—likely featuring some of the younger prospects—will be handling business elsewhere.
Why Saturday Games Matter in Clearwater
There’s something specific about a Saturday in Clearwater. The 601 Old Coachman Road address becomes the center of the universe for Philly expats. Usually, these games start right around 1:05 PM or 1:07 PM.
Why the weird minutes? Television. Even in Spring Training, those extra two minutes allow for the local broadcasts—usually NBC Sports Philadelphia—to get their intro sequence in before the first pitch.
The Regular Season Saturday Slates
The real meat of the question what time is the phillies game on saturday hits home once we get to March. Opening Day 2026 is set for Thursday, March 26, against the Texas Rangers.
That makes Saturday, March 28, 2026, the first "real" Saturday game of the year.
- Opponent: Texas Rangers
- Location: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia
- Time: 4:05 PM EST
This is a classic "swing" time. It’s not a day game, but it’s not quite a night game. It’s that perfect late-afternoon slot where the shadows start creeping across the infield around the fifth inning, making life miserable for hitters and giving us that beautiful golden hour glow for the broadcast.
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Navigating the 2026 Schedule Quirks
The 2026 season is a bit of a weird one for the Phils. Because Philadelphia is hosting the MLB All-Star Game and several FIFA World Cup matches, the schedule has been massaged to keep the team on the road for long stretches in June and July.
If you are looking for a Saturday game during the summer, don't just assume they’re at home. Between June 22 and August 2, the team only plays 13 games at Citizens Bank Park.
On Saturday, June 20, 2026, for example, they play the Mets. That’s a 7:15 PM start. Why the late start? National TV. FOX usually grabs these prime Saturday night matchups, especially when it’s a rivalry like Phils-Mets.
Where to Watch and Listen
Honestly, the "where" is almost as important as the "when." If you're stuck in traffic on the Schuykill, you’re looking for 94.1 WIP. Scott Franzke and Larry Andersen are the undisputed soundtrack of a Philadelphia summer.
For the visual learners:
- NBC Sports Philadelphia: The primary home for almost every Saturday game.
- FOX/FS1: Usually claims those 4:00 PM or 7:00 PM Saturday windows.
- Apple TV+: They still have their Friday night doubleheaders, but occasionally Saturday games get flexed into national streaming spots.
Key Saturday Matchups to Circle
If you’re planning a trip or a tailgate, these are the Saturdays that are going to be absolute madhouses at the complex:
May 23 vs. Cleveland Guardians (4:05 PM)
The holiday weekend games are always a blast. The weather is finally reliable, and the beer is cold.
June 20 vs. New York Mets (7:15 PM)
The atmosphere for a Saturday night Mets game is hostile in the best way possible. Expect a sellout.
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July 25 vs. New York Yankees (6:05 PM)
When the Bronx Bombers come to South Philly, ticket prices triple on the secondary market. This 6:05 PM start is perfect for a post-game night out in the city.
Actionable Steps for the Fan
Stop guessing. If you want to stay on top of the what time is the phillies game on saturday question throughout the season, do these three things:
First, sync the schedule to your phone. The MLB app has a "Sync to Calendar" feature that automatically updates for time changes. This is vital because the "TBD" games in September often get moved to primetime based on playoff implications.
Second, check the giveaway schedule. A Saturday game with a bobblehead giveaway means you need to be at the gates at least two hours before the posted start time. If the game is at 4:05 PM, you want to be parked by 1:30 PM.
Lastly, keep an eye on the weather. Philadelphia spring weather is fickle. A Saturday 1:05 PM game can easily become a Saturday 4:05 PM game after a rain delay. Use the official Phillies Twitter (X) account for the most immediate updates on tarp movements and gate openings.
The road to the 2026 postseason starts in the dirt of Clearwater. Whether it's a 1:07 PM spring start or a 7:15 PM summer showdown, Saturday at the ballpark remains the best seat in the house.