MLB.TV is not a TV channel. It’s a streaming subscription that carries live out-of-market MLB games throughout the regular season. The league’s dedicated TV sports channel is MLB Network, which is available through most major TV providers except YouTube TV.

Most of the MLB season happens on pay-cable channels, but you can watch some weekend and playoff games for free on ABC and FOX using an antenna. The MLB.TV Free Game of the Day also airs most days during the MLB regular season. You can view the game on MLB.com or through the MLB app by creating a free MLB.com account. Blackout rules still apply.

Yes, you can watch local MLB games blacked out in your area with a TV plan that includes your regional sports network (RSN). Any non-nationally televised game featuring your local team will air on the RSN. For out-of-market games not televised in your region, you’ll need MLB EXTRA INNINGS or MLB.TV. Another more complicated blackout workaround is to use an internet VPN (virtual private network) that masks your IP address and makes it look like you’re watching from a different area. This method is limited to live TV streaming and online viewing, however, and MLB actively blocks certain VPNs.