The Philadelphia Phillies (70-53) finally wrap up their 10-game road trip on Sunday with their series finale against the Washington Nationals (50-73). It has been a rollercoaster for the Fightins, with a 5-4 record on the trip so far. After starting the longest excursion of the season with a sweep over the Texas Rangers last weekend, they dropped a disappointing series to Kyle Schwarber's childhood team, the Cincinnati Reds. And then the devastating news about Zack Wheeler's trip to the injured list broke on Saturday night.
Despite delays getting off the tarmac in Cincinnati on Wednesday (subscription required), per The Philadelphia Inquirer's Scott Lauber, they landed in the nation's capital five games up on the New York Mets in the National League East. They still hold a five-game advantage after dropping two of the first three games in Washington. The Phillies have a chance to salvage a split and finish the road trip with a winning record on Sunday when they take on the Nationals on Roku.
That's right. Sunday's series finale won't be found in the usual spots for many Phillies fans. But that's alright, we've got you covered with how to watch the Phillies and Nationals exclusively on the Roku Channel as part of the Sunday Leadoff package.
How to watch Phillies vs. Nationals free on Roku
Watching the Phillies game on the Roku Channel isn't as difficult as it might sound. All Sunday Leadoff games, including today's Phillies-Nationals tilt, are available to stream for free online at TheRokuChannel.com. You can also find today's game on the Roku Channel app on iOS and Android devices, plus smart TVs like Amazon Fire, Samsung, Google and other Android TV OS devices.
You don't even need a subscription. Just head to the website or download the app on your device and start streaming.
What channel is Phillies vs. Nationals on?
While the majority of Phillies fans would usually just turn on NBC Sports Philadelphia to get the familiar play-by-play calls from Tom McCarthy, that's not an option today. The Phillies-Nationals game will air on The Roku Channel rather than regular television channels.
For fans with an MLB.tv subscription, you can still find the game through that platform.
Like the other Roku Sunday Leadoff games, today's game comes with an early start time of 11:35 a.m. ET.
- Date: Sunday, August 17, 2025
- Time: 11:35 a.m. ET
- Venue: Nationals Park
- Live Broadcast: The Roku Channel
- Phillies Radio: 94 WIP, WTTM 1680
- Nationals Radio: 106.7 The Fan, DC 87.7
Phillies vs. Nationals probable starting pitchers
Aaron Nola (1-7, 6.16 ERA) will start for the Phillies. The veteran right-hander is coming off the injured list after missing three months of action with a sprained ankle and stress fracture in his ribs. This will be Nola's first MLB action since May 14, when he allowed nine runs in 3 2/3 innings. He made three rehab starts in Triple-A Lehigh Valley, allowing just three runs across 12 1/3 innings while striking out 17.
Mitchell Parker (7-13, 5.55 ERA) will counter for the Nationals. The 25-year-old left-hander has given up 17 earned runs in 14 1/3 innings in three August starts, so hopefully for the Phillies' sake that trend continues.
Phillies vs. Nationals injury report
Nationals injuries:
RHP Josiah Gray, right elbow/forearm flexor strain
C Keibert Ruiz, concussion
Phillies injuries:
RHP Daniel Robert, right middle finger blister
RHP José Alvarado, suspension
RHP Zack Wheeler, blood clot