ESPN’s Jon Sciambi and David Ross on commentary for Rays vs Dodgers: where to watch in the UK

Match date: 16 June 2026

Tampa Bay Rays against the Los Angeles Dodgers on ESPN in the US and via ESPN Unlimited is set to feature one of baseball’s most recognisable broadcast pairings: Jon Sciambi on play-by-play with former catcher David Ross as co-commentator. For viewers in the UK, the listed kick-off time is 03:00, making this a late-night but premium MLB watch for fans following one of the sport’s most attractive cross-league matchups.

Sciambi, widely known by his nickname “Boog”, has been a full-time ESPN voice since 2010, when he joined as the play-by-play announcer for MLB on ESPN Radio while continuing work across ESPN baseball and college basketball coverage. ESPN’s press room notes that he has worked in that role since 2005, and he is also the familiar voice of Sunday Night Baseball on ESPN Radio[1].

David Ross brings a different perspective to the booth. A World Series-winning catcher and former Chicago Cubs manager, Ross has become a prominent analyst thanks to his hands-on understanding of game-calling, clubhouse management and the pressure faced by players in big-market environments. His background gives this broadcast an informed, modern edge, especially for viewers who value tactical detail and dugout insight.

The pairing is also notable because Sciambi and Ross have worked together before. Reporting on Sciambi’s move to the Cubs’ television booth in 2021 noted that Ross had been his broadcast partner for several years at ESPN, a relationship that has already helped shape their on-air chemistry[3]. That familiarity often matters in baseball broadcasts, where the best commentary balances rhythm, humour and analysis over a long game.

Sciambi himself has spent more than two decades building a reputation as one of baseball’s most polished voices. He has been used extensively across ESPN television and radio, and his broader career also includes MLB work outside the network, including his current role as the everyday television voice of the Chicago Cubs on Marquee Sports Network[2].

For a matchup like this, the broadcast team fits the occasion. The Dodgers are one of baseball’s premier brands, while the Rays remain one of the sport’s most analytically respected organisations, making the game appealing both to casual viewers and to fans who enjoy deeper discussion of pitching, defence and match-up strategy. ESPN’s coverage generally positions these games as national showcase events, and this one is no exception[1].

In practical viewing terms, the key detail for UK audiences is the timing and platform. Because the game is scheduled for 03:00 UK time, many fans will need either overnight streaming or catch-up viewing rather than a live watch. The US listing on ESPN and ESPN Unlimited means the broadcast is part of ESPN’s premium baseball presentation, which has long been central to how American viewers follow MLB’s marquee matchups[1].

For readers wanting background on the network’s MLB programming, ESPN’s press room profile for Jon Sciambi confirms his long-standing role across ESPN’s baseball output and underlines why he remains one of the network’s go-to voices for major games[1].

Article generated: 16 June 2026, 03:01 GMT