Baseball fans in the Southwest have a clear target on their radar for this Friday night. The Arizona Diamondbacks are set to host the Colorado Rockies at Chase Field in Phoenix. First pitch is scheduled for 9:40 p.m. ET on Friday, May 22, 2026. It’s a matchup that pits a team fighting for playoff positioning against one trying to find its footing.
The D-backs enter with a 25-23 record, looking to maintain momentum at home. They’ll rely on starting pitcher Mike Soroka to keep things tight early. On the other side, the Rockies (19-31) turn to Tomoyuki Sugano, hoping for a strong outing away from the thin air of Denver. If you’re planning to watch, here’s everything you need to know about tuning in, from local broadcasts to streaming options.
Where and When to Watch the Game
The game takes place at Chase Field, the retractable-roof stadium in downtown Phoenix that has been the D-backs’ home since 1998. For those watching from afar or unable to make it to the ballpark, the broadcast rights are split between regional sports networks. Arizona residents can catch the action on Dbacks.TV, while Colorado viewers should tune into Rockies.TV.
If you prefer streaming without a cable subscription, FuboTV is currently listed as a viable option for live coverage. Bleacher Nation highlights Fubo as a primary digital destination for this specific contest. For those who want the full sensory experience—the smell of hot dogs, the crack of the bat—tickets are available through Vivid Seats. Given the late start time, expect a cooler evening in Phoenix, perfect for baseball.
Streaming Options and Blackout Rules
Navigating MLB streaming can feel like solving a puzzle. Here’s the current landscape for Rockies games, which applies to this series as well. According to MLB.com, fans within the Rockies’ television territory—which includes all of Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, New Mexico, and parts of Nebraska, South Dakota, and Idaho—can stream games via the MLB.TV Single Team subscription known as Rockies.TV.
Here’s the catch: if you already have an "All Teams" MLB.TV package, you still need to buy the separate Rockies.TV add-on to watch in-market games. This territorial blackout rule is strict. Out-of-market fans, however, can access the game directly through their standard MLB.TV subscription. Traditional cable subscribers have more straightforward paths. DIRECTV carries the feed on channel 683, Xfinity/Comcast on 1262, and Spectrum on channels 130 or 445 in most of Colorado and Wyoming.
There’s also a unique partnership worth noting. The Rockies have teamed up with 9News, the local NBC affiliate, to simulcast 10 home games for free over-the-air. While this specific May 22 game isn’t part of that free OTA lineup, it highlights the league’s push to broaden accessibility. Radio listeners can tune into KOA (850 AM / 94.1 FM) for play-by-play coverage.
Recent Matchups and Form
To understand what’s at stake, look back at recent history between these two clubs. Just days before this upcoming game, on May 17, 2026, the Diamondbacks secured an 8-6 victory over the Rockies in Colorado. That win clinched the series for Arizona and capped off a .500 road trip that included stops in Dallas and Denver. Star outfielder Corbin Carroll was instrumental in that effort, showcasing the offensive firepower the D-backs bring to Chase Field.
Earlier in the year, during preseason play on February 21, 2026, the Rockies managed an 11-6 win at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. However, regular-season form tells a different story. The Rockies’ struggles on the road are evident in their 19-31 overall record. Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks are hovering around .500 but have shown resilience at home. Fox Sports’ predictive models for a previous June 2025 matchup gave Arizona a 54% win probability, suggesting a slight edge when the teams meet.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
For the Diamondbacks, every game matters as they jockey for position in the competitive National League West. A win on Friday would solidify their standing and provide crucial momentum heading into the summer stretch. For the Rockies, this is about development and finding wins where they can. Tomoyuki Sugano’s performance will be key; if he can limit early damage, Colorado might steal one in Phoenix.
Fans should also keep an eye on broader broadcasting changes. MLB.com notes that YouTube TV, Hulu, and Sling do not currently carry Rockies games, though negotiations are ongoing. This creates a fragmented viewing experience for cord-cutters, making services like Fubo and direct-to-consumer subscriptions like Rockies.TV increasingly important. As the season progresses, expect more shifts in how these games are distributed digitally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is pitching for the Diamondbacks and Rockies?
The Arizona Diamondbacks will feature Mike Soroka on the mound, while the Colorado Rockies counter with Tomoyuki Sugano. Both pitchers bring distinct styles, with Soroka known for his control and Sugano offering veteran presence.
Can I watch the game on YouTube TV?
Currently, no. MLB.com states that YouTube TV, along with Hulu and Sling, does not offer Rockies games at this time. Fans must use Fubo, DIRECTV, Xfinity, or the MLB.TV Single Team subscription to watch legally.
What time does the game start in Phoenix?
First pitch is scheduled for 9:40 p.m. Eastern Time, which translates to 7:40 p.m. Mountain Time in Phoenix. Gates typically open about 90 minutes before first pitch, so arrive by 6:15 p.m. MT for pre-game activities.
Where can I buy tickets for the game?
Tickets for the May 22, 2026 matchup are available through Vivid Seats. Prices vary based on seat location and demand, so booking in advance is recommended for prime views near the field.
Is there a free way to watch Rockies games?
Yes, for select games. The Rockies partner with 9News to simulcast 10 home games for free over-the-air on KTVD channel 20 and KUSA/9News. However, this specific May 22 game is not part of that free OTA lineup.