Phillies move Rays game to 2:30 p.m. with rain forecast, playoff spot at stake

Rain in the Philadelphia forecast pushed Sunday's Rays-Phillies finale up to 2:30 p.m.; a win or an Arizona loss would seal an NL wild-card berth.

The Philadelphia Phillies have moved up Sunday's home game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Citizens Bank Park, shifting first pitch from 3:05 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Sept. 27 because of the weather. The team announced the change Sunday, saying rain is expected later in the afternoon and continuing into the evening, and that starting earlier provides the best chance for the game to be played without interruption.

The forecast in the Philadelphia area calls for showers beginning shortly after 2 p.m., around the revised first-pitch time, and lasting until 11 p.m. Between a quarter-inch and a half-inch of rain is expected over that stretch. The high temperature at the ballpark is projected near 66 degrees.

The stakes for Sunday's game are substantial. Philadelphia (87-74) enters holding the National League's third wild-card position, a single game in front of the Arizona Diamondbacks (86-75) in the standings. It is the final game of the Phillies' regular season, and their magic number to secure a playoff berth is down to one.

Two results would settle the race in Philadelphia's favor: a win over the Rays, or an Arizona loss to the San Diego Padres, who face the Diamondbacks on Sunday as well. Should the Phillies lose, they would need help from San Diego, since Arizona holds the tiebreaker between the clubs and would come out ahead if the teams finish level.

On the mound, Philadelphia turns to right-hander Zack Wheeler, who enters the day at 13-5 with a 3.06 ERA. Tampa Bay counters with right-hander Nick Martinez, carrying a 15-5 record and a 2.94 ERA. Between them, the two starters have combined for 28 wins this season.

Before first pitch, Philadelphia made a change to its pitching staff. The club activated starter Jesús Luzardo from the injured list; he has gone 14-5 with a 2.87 ERA this season. Right-hander José Urquidy was designated for assignment to clear the necessary space on the 28-man roster.

For fans watching at home, the television broadcast is scheduled for NBCSP. Radio listeners in the area can choose between 94WIP and WDEL, which airs the game on the dial at 101.7 FM and 1150 AM.

Streaming options span several platforms. Within the Philadelphia television market, NBCSP will stream the game live on nbcsportsphiladelphia.com and through the NBCSP app. The channel is also available on FuboTV, Hulu, Peacock, and YouTube TV. Fans with existing streaming packages can watch through PHILLIES.TV, and the radio broadcasts can be streamed on MLB Audio.

If the Phillies qualify for the postseason, the Atlanta Braves await in a three-game National League wild-card series starting Sept. 29 in Atlanta. Global Sportscast's schedule lists that opener for Tuesday, Sept. 29, at 2:00 p.m. EDT at Truist Park, with the television broadcast on NBC.