Apple TV broadcast changes could cause further outrage for Blue Jays fans

Breathe, Blue Jays fans: you'll be able to watch the team on Sportsnet on Friday night (September 19).

Sportsnet announced Thursday afternoon that it struck a deal with Apple TV to be able to simulcast the Blue Jays' Friday night matchup against the Kansas City Royals. The move came after realizing Friday may have potentially served as a playoff-clinching game had the Blue Jays won or the Cleveland Guardians lost on Thursday. Instead, the earliest Toronto can now punch their ticket to October is on Saturday, September 20).

Per Sportsnet, a Rogers spokesperson stated: "This is a really exciting time of year for Blue Jays fans, and we wanted to try and find a way for Canadians to watch Friday’s game on Sportsnet, especially at this pivotal moment of the season. In working with the Blue Jays, Major League Baseball, and Apple TV, glad we found a way,"

Tomorrow's broadcasting switch may unintentionally cause another viewing rift for Blue Jays fans, one that is far more important

Before the magic number remained at three, it was reported that Sportsnet and the Toronto Blue Jays approached MLB on the possibility of broadcasting the game with Apple TV. Once the league approved the proposal, it was then announced that September 26's matchup against the Rays will be exclusive to Apple TV.

However, with next Friday now settled with Apple TV, the next question then shifts to the next magic number and clinching scenario: the American League East Division title. At the time of this writing, the magic number to clinch the division is six, with the New York Yankees now three and a half games behind.

If the Yankees can keep pace with the Blue Jays in any capacity and Toronto can't find that opportunity to clinch the division, then you run the risk of next Friday being a division-clinching night or possibly a chance to clinch a first-round bye. If fans were upset about tomorrow's game being on Apple TV, given the playoff-clinch scenario, imagine the division title?

Broadcasting the playoff clinch is undoubtedly crucial for the team's home network. But what would the Blue Jays, Sportsnet, and MLB do if next Friday's matchup ends up being the night the Blue Jays can call themselves champions of the AL East? Only one way to fix that: erase the magic number by next Friday.