So, you’re looking for the Phillies game time. It’s Saturday, January 17, 2026. If you’re like most of us in Philly, you’re probably itching for that first "High Hopes" sing-along at Citizens Bank Park. But here’s the reality check: the Philadelphia Phillies are not playing a game today.
I know, it’s a bummer. We’re currently in the thick of the "dark period" of the MLB offseason. While the hot stove is definitely simmering—especially after the team finally locked down J.T. Realmuto to a new three-year extension just yesterday—the actual boys of summer won't be taking the field for another few weeks.
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What Time Are the Phillies Playing Today: The Countdown to Clearwater
If you were hoping to flip on NBC Sports Philadelphia today, you'll likely find a rerun of a classic game or some Sixers pre-game coverage. The Phillies don't officially start their 2026 schedule until Saturday, February 21.
That's the Grapefruit League opener. They'll be traveling to Dunedin to face the Toronto Blue Jays at 1:07 PM EST.
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Honestly, the wait feels longer this year. Maybe it's because the 2026 season is a massive deal for the city. We aren't just hosting the 96th MLB All-Star Game in July; we're also celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States. Philly is going to be the epicenter of the baseball world. But for today, the only "game" being played is the one in Dave Dombrowski’s front office.
The 2026 Spring Training Schedule Kickoff
Once we hit late February, the schedule gets back to its familiar rhythm. Here is what the early spring slate looks like so you can plan your trip to Clearwater:
- February 21: @ Toronto Blue Jays (Dunedin) at 1:07 PM
- February 22: vs. Pittsburgh Pirates (Home Opener at BayCare Ballpark) at 1:05 PM
- February 23: @ Washington Nationals (West Palm Beach) at 6:05 PM
- February 24: @ Miami Marlins (Jupiter) at 1:10 PM
- February 25: vs. Detroit Tigers at 1:05 PM
Why Everyone Is Asking About Phillies Game Times Right Now
Even though there’s no game today, the search for "what time are the phillies playing today" usually spikes in mid-January for a couple of reasons. First, the Phillies Phestival and various fan events usually start getting teased around now. People are looking for dates.
Second, the roster is in a weird state of flux. We just saw Ranger Suárez sign with the Red Sox (which still stings, let's be real) and Bo Bichette head to the Mets. Fans are basically checking the schedule to see when they can finally see how this new-look rotation—headlined by Zack Wheeler and the recently acquired Jesús Luzardo—actually looks in person.
There’s also the World Baseball Classic (WBC) factor. This spring is a bit different because of the exhibition game against Team Canada on March 4th. If you’re looking for game times because you want to see the international stars, that 1:05 PM start in early March is the one you want to circle.
Opening Day 2026: The Real Date to Circle
If you’re ignoring Spring Training and just want the regular season, you have a little over two months to wait. Opening Day 2026 is Thursday, March 26. The Phillies will host the Texas Rangers at Citizens Bank Park. First pitch is scheduled for 4:15 PM. It’s the earliest traditional Opening Day in MLB history, which is kind of wild. Usually, we’re worried about snow in early April; now we’re pushing it back into March. Hopefully, the Bank has the heaters cranked up.
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What to Watch While You Wait
Since you can't watch Bryce Harper take deep flies today, here’s how to stay occupied:
- Check the 40-man roster moves: The team just avoided arbitration with Alec Bohm, Bryson Stott, and Brandon Marsh last week. Keeping that core together was huge.
- Monitor Zack Wheeler’s rehab: He’s been throwing in Philly as he recovers from that minor procedure last fall. If he’s not ready for that March 26th start, the rotation order changes completely.
- Watch the "Spring Breakout" hype: On March 21, the Phillies prospects (keep an eye on Justin Crawford and Aidan Miller) will play the Blue Jays prospects. It's basically a glimpse into 2028.
It's sort of a quiet Saturday in South Philly, but the buzz for 2026 is definitely building. We’ve gone through the heartbreak of the last two NLDS exits, and the "run-it-back" strategy is being tested. While there’s no game today, the countdown to Clearwater is officially under 35 days.
Your Next Steps for the 2026 Season
If you are planning to catch a game this year, your best move is to check ticket availability for the Spring Training games in Florida now. Those Clearwater games at BayCare Ballpark sell out faster than you'd think, especially the St. Patrick’s Day game against the Twins on March 17. For those staying in the Delaware Valley, single-game tickets for the regular season usually see a massive push in late January, so keep your alerts on for the official Phillies team site. Stay on top of the local beat writers like Matt Gelb or Alex Coffey for the exact time pitchers and catchers report, which should be announced any day now.