KANSAS CITY – The Toronto Blue Jays are inching closer to an AL East crown against the Kansas City Royals on “Friday Night Baseball” today at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. First pitch for this matchup is 7:40 p.m. Eastern (6:40 p.m. Central).
You can watch this MLB game on Apple TV Plus for free or watch on Sportsnet Canada using a free trial from DIRECTV. With the Blue Jays looking to clinch the division this weekend, Sportsnet struck a deal with Apple TV to simulcast Friday’s exclusive game.
“Friday Night Baseball” is a weekly doubleheader MLB showcase; in addition to the Blue Jays-Royals matchup, fans can also catch Clayton Kershaw’s final regular season start as the Los Angeles Dodgers battle the San Francisco Giants at 10:10 p.m. Eastern (7:10 p.m. Pacific).
Apple TV Plus offers a 7-day free trial. After the seven-day free trial, you can cancel or stay subscribed to Apple TV+ for $12.99 per month.
Toronto Blue Jays
The Blue Jays (89-64) own the best record in the American League and have won seven of their last 10 games as they try to capture an elusive AL East crown this weekend. They hold a three-game lead over the New York Yankees.
Toronto has lost two straight games to the Tampa Bay Rays, including a recent 4-0 loss. Despite the struggles, the Blue Jays have outscored their opponents by 18 runs in the last 10 games.
The Blue Jays last clinched the AL East in 2015. They defeated the Texas Rangers in the ALDS before bowing out of the ALCS against the Royals. Toronto’s last playoff appearance was in 2023.
Blue Jays players to watch
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Guerrero Jr. has 23 home runs and 81 RBI with a .300 batting average and .875 OPS, which are both top nine in MLB. He has three hits in his last five games, including one RBI.
George Springer
Springer has 29 home runs and 78 RBI with a .302 batting average, which is sixth in baseball. He also sports a .935 OPS, which is fifth in MLB. Springer has eight hits in his last five games, including one home run and five RBI.
Ernie Clement
Clement has nine home runs and 46 RBI with a .280 batting average. He has six hits in his last five games, including four doubles and three RBI.
Kansas City Royals
The writing is on the wall for the Royals (76-77), who are on the doorstep of elimination from postseason contention. Kansas City has lost seven of its last 10 games as the hourglass ticks away on a season of disappointment.
The Royals are seven games behind the Boston Red Sox for the final AL wildcard spot with nine games left to play, and would need a string of miracles from multiple teams to sneak into the postseason dance.
Kansas City wasted a strong pitching performance from Stephen Kolek and were recently shut out 2-0 by the Seattle Mariners. The Royals have the fourth-best ERA in the AL at 3.78.
The Royals are 41-37 at Kauffman Stadium this season.
Royals players to watch
Salvador Perez
Perez has 29 home runs and 92 RBI with a .238 batting average and .735 OPS. He takes a five-game hitting streak into tonight’s matchup, including four home runs and 11 RBI in that span.
Bobby Witt Jr.
Witt has tallied 22 home runs and 80 RBI with a .291 batting average and .848 OPS. He has five hits in his last five games, including one home run and two RBI.
Maikel Garcia
Garcia has 16 home runs and 70 RBI with a .286 batting average and .805 OPS. He has four hits in his last five games, including one RBI.
Today’s pitching matchup
TOR Max Scherzer (5-3, 4.31 ERA) vs. KC Michael Lorenzen (5-11, 4.91)
Scherzer has weathered a challenging fall, allowing four earned runs in three of his last five starts. The veteran has 75 strikeouts with a 1.16 WHIP. Regardless of the circumstances, he will bring postseason pedigree to his 16th start of the season.
Lorenzen has also been battered, allowing four or more earned runs in three of his last five starts. The right-hander has 114 strikeouts and a 1.14 WHIP.
What are the latest odds for Blue Jays vs. Royals?
Moneyline: TOR: (-144), KC: (+118)
Run line: TOR: (-1.5), KC: (+1.5)
Over/Under: 9
Who is announcing Blue Jays vs. Royals on Apple TV Plus?
Alex Faust (play-by-play) and Ryan Spilborghs (analyst) will be the announcers while Tricia Whitaker reports from the field.
Here’s more details on how you can watch Friday Night Baseball:
What: Toronto Blue Jays vs. Kansas City Royals When: Friday, Sept. 19, 2025Time: 7:40 p.m. Eastern (6:40 p.m. Central)Where: Kauffman Stadium | Kansas City, Mo.Channel: Sportsnet Canada Streaming option: Apple TV Plus (free trial), DIRECTV (free trial)
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