How to Watch Yankees vs. Rays in the 2026 ALDS on DIRECTV: Schedule, Channels and Streaming
The AL East rivals finally meet in October in their own ballparks. The New York Yankees swept the Red Sox in the Wild Card Series, 9-0 and 9-2, and now face the division-champion Tampa Bay Rays in a best-of-five American League Division Series. Game 1 is Saturday, October 3, at 6:30 p.m. ET at Tropicana Field, and every game is on TBS, truTV and HBO Max, with Spanish on UniMás.
Here's the full series schedule, the DIRECTV channels to save and how to stream.
Yankees vs. Rays ALDS schedule
All times Eastern. Every game airs on TBS, truTV, UniMás and HBO Max.
| Game | Date | Matchup | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | Sat., Oct. 3 | Yankees at Rays | 6:30 p.m. |
| Game 2 | Mon., Oct. 5 | Yankees at Rays | 8 p.m. |
| Game 3 | Wed., Oct. 7 | Rays at Yankees | TBA |
| Game 4* | Thu., Oct. 8 | Rays at Yankees | TBA |
| Game 5* | Sat., Oct. 10 | Yankees at Rays | TBA |
*If necessary. MLB sets start times for Games 3 through 5 as the series goes, and all times can change. The other ALDS, White Sox vs. Guardians, uses the same channels. For both series and the bracket, see our 2026 ALDS guide.
What channel is the Yankees-Rays ALDS on DIRECTV?
TNT Sports simulcasts every game on TBS (channel 247) and truTV (channel 246), and both come with every DIRECTV package. If one channel is recording something else, flip to the other. Because the postseason is televised nationally, you don't need YES or a regional sports network for this series.
| Network | DIRECTV channel | Included with |
|---|---|---|
| TBS | 247 | ENTERTAINMENT and higher |
| truTV | 246 | ENTERTAINMENT and higher |
| UniMás (Spanish) | 408 | CHOICE and higher |
| MLB Network (studio shows) | 213 | CHOICE and higher |
| HBO Max (streaming) | App | HBO Max Standard included with PREMIER |
Not sure what's in your package? Call 1-855-690-9884 and we'll check your lineup.
How to stream Yankees vs. Rays
HBO Max simulcasts every ALDS game. HBO Max says live MLB is included with its Standard and Premium plans, not Basic with Ads. DIRECTV's PREMIER package includes HBO Max Standard; activate it under Manage My TV Package at directv.com, then sign in to the HBO Max app, which is preloaded on Gemini devices.
The DIRECTV app is another option on a phone or tablet: sign in with your DIRECTV account and tune to TBS or truTV.
Watch or listen in Spanish
- TV: UniMás carries the ALDS in Spanish. It's channel 408 on DIRECTV, included with CHOICE and higher.
- Radio: Univision's TUDN Radio has Spanish-language audio, and ESPN Radio carries every postseason game nationally in English.
Series preview
- Rare October rivals: the teams have met in the postseason only once, in the 2020 ALDS at a neutral site in San Diego, won by Tampa Bay on Mike Brosseau's home run off Aroldis Chapman.
- Tampa Bay's edge: the Rays won the AL East by 4 1/2 games, took the season series 7-6 and went 55-26 at Tropicana Field.
- Game 1 pitching: Drew Rasmussen starts for Tampa Bay after a 2.67 ERA season in which he led AL pitchers in WHIP and strikeout-to-walk ratio, and he went 5-2 with a 1.81 ERA against New York. The Yankees will start Gerrit Cole or Carlos Rodón; Cam Schlittler lines up for Game 2.
- Judge watch: captain Aaron Judge, out with a right calf strain, took live at-bats on Wednesday and is hoping to be activated for this round.
- Hot Yankees bats: New York outscored Boston 18-2 in the sweep. Ben Rice homered twice in Game 1, and Cody Bellinger and Luis García Jr. also went deep in the series.
Plan your October on DIRECTV
The National League side of the bracket is on FOX and FS1; see our 2026 NLDS guide, or catch up on the Wild Card round. Saturday night is crowded, too: the UFC 332 main card is on CBS at 8 p.m. ET, and USA vs. Mexico soccer follows at 10 p.m. ET on TNT (channel 245).
The ALCS starts Monday, October 12, on the same channels. Compare DIRECTV options at your address or call 1-855-690-9884 before first pitch.
Frequently asked questions
What time is Yankees vs. Rays Game 1?
First pitch is 6:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida.
What channel is the Yankees game on DIRECTV?
TBS on channel 247 and truTV on channel 246. Both air every game of the series.
Is the Yankees-Rays ALDS on YES?
No. Postseason games are national broadcasts on TBS, truTV and HBO Max, with UniMás in Spanish.
Can I stream the series?
Yes, on HBO Max with a Standard or Premium plan. DIRECTV PREMIER includes HBO Max Standard.
Where are Games 3 and 4?
At Yankee Stadium on Wednesday, October 7, and, if needed, Thursday, October 8. Start times are announced during the series.
Questions about your lineup? Call 1-855-690-9884.
Details reviewed October 1, 2026. Game times for Games 3 through 5, starting pitchers and injury news can change. Channel lineups, packages and prices vary by address and are subject to change. MLB, TBS, truTV, HBO Max, UniMás, DIRECTV and related marks belong to their respective owners. American TV is an independent dealer and resource site.