If you’re staring at your calendar today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, wondering what time do the phillies play tomorrow, I’ve got a bit of a reality check for you.
The Phillies don't play tomorrow.
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Honestly, they don't play for another month. We’re currently in that weird, quiet pocket of the deep winter where the only baseball "action" is checking Dave Dombrowski's latest roster tweaks or arguing on X about whether the bullpen is deep enough. If you were hoping to crack a beer and watch Bryce Harper take a hack on a Sunday afternoon in mid-January, you’re about 35 days too early.
But look, I get it. The itch for Citizens Bank Park vibes is real.
The good news? The wait is almost over. The 2026 schedule is officially out, and while tomorrow is a wash, the countdown to Clearwater is ticking.
When does the real action start?
If you want the absolute first moment the Fightins take the field, mark your calendar for Saturday, February 21, 2026. That’s when spring training officially kicks off. They’ll be heading over to Dunedin to face the Toronto Blue Jays at 1:07 PM.
It’s just Grapefruit League ball, sure, but after a long winter, seeing the red pinstripes against green grass—even on a grainy Florida broadcast—is basically a spiritual experience.
The home opener at BayCare Ballpark happens the following day. If you’re asking what time do the phillies play tomorrow in late February, the answer will be 1:05 PM against the Pirates.
The 2026 Opening Day Countdown
Spring training is just the appetizer. The real deal, the game that actually counts toward the standings, is a bit further out.
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Thursday, March 26, 2026. That’s the date. We’re hosting the Texas Rangers at Citizens Bank Park. First pitch is scheduled for 4:15 PM. There is something uniquely special about an 0-0 record and the smell of Schmitter sandwiches in the air.
Here’s a quick look at that opening series so you don’t have to keep Googling it:
- March 26 (Thursday): vs. Rangers at 4:15 PM
- March 28 (Saturday): vs. Rangers at 4:05 PM
- March 29 (Sunday): vs. Rangers at 1:35 PM
Wait, why the gap on Friday? That’s the classic MLB "just in case it rains" buffer. They almost always leave that Friday open in April (or late March) so they don’t have to reschedule an entire Opening Day celebration if the Philly weather decides to be, well, Philly weather.
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Why does the time keep changing?
You’ve probably noticed that baseball start times feel like they’re being picked by a random number generator. 6:05 PM one night, 6:40 PM the next, then suddenly 1:05 PM on a Wednesday.
It’s mostly about TV markets and getaway days. When teams have to fly across the country for their next series, they play earlier so they can catch their charter flight. Plus, with the 2026 season seeing more national broadcasts on streaming services—think Peacock and potentially Netflix—the traditional 7:05 PM start is becoming a bit of a relic.
How to watch the Phillies in 2026
Since you're clearly trying to plan your viewing schedule, you should know that the landscape is shifting. Most games are still on NBC Sports Philadelphia, but don't be surprised when a random Saturday game is exclusive to a streaming platform.
- Local Broadcasts: NBC Sports Philadelphia and NBC Sports Philadelphia+ remain the primary homes.
- Radio: Scott Franzke and Larry Andersen are still the voices of summer on 94.1 WIP. If you aren't listening to them, are you even a Phillies fan?
- Streaming: Keep an eye on Apple TV+ and Peacock. They usually snag one game every few weeks, usually on Friday nights or Sunday mornings.
What to do since there's no game tomorrow
Since the answer to what time do the phillies play tomorrow is "never," you've got some time to kill.
If you're in the Philly area, you can actually go to the ballpark. No, not for a game, but the New Era Team Store is usually open, and it's the best time to snag gear before the Spring Training rush. Or, you can do what I do: pull up YouTube and rewatch the 2022 NLCS Game 5. The "Bedlam at the Bank" homer never gets old.
We’ve got about five weeks until the pitchers and catchers report. Until then, stay warm and keep that remote ready.
Your Phillies Offseason Checklist
- Verify your streaming logins: Make sure your Peacock or Apple TV+ accounts are active if you plan on watching every single game this year.
- Check the 2026 Promotional Schedule: The Phillies usually release the giveaway dates (Bobbleheads, anyone?) around late January or early February.
- Book Clearwater Travel: if you're planning on heading to Florida for Spring Training, do it now. BayCare Ballpark is small, and tickets for those 1:05 PM starts sell out faster than you'd think.
Stop checking the TV guide for tomorrow. Set your alarm for February 21st instead.