Apple TV’s broadcast of Friday’s game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Cincinnati Reds featured a pretty brutal mistake.
During a third inning dugout interview, Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes discussed the leadership of outfielder Andrew McCutchen and the value of having McCutchen as a teammate. As Skenes spoke, the broadcast split-screened a shot of what was clearly supposed to be McCutchen, but was actually Pirates shortstop Oneil Cruz looking on from the dugout.
…..did apple tv really think this was Andrew McCutchen? I have no words. pic.twitter.com/0cM3zVXhAo
— Platinum Ke’Bryan (@PlatinumKey13) April 11, 2025
Nobody really acknowledged the awkward moment, made worse by the fact that McCutchen and Cruz do not look very alike. McCutchen used to have his trademark dreadlocks, but has not worn them for years.
Pirates fans were particularly bothered. Many found the mistake to be disrespectful to both McCutchen and Cruz.
Infuriating level of disrespect.
— Platinum Ke’Bryan (@PlatinumKey13) April 11, 2025
This is hardly the first case of mistaken identity by a television broadcast, but that does not make it any less awkward. The lack of acknowledgement only serves to make it stranger.
Apple TV has the rights to a weekly package of Friday MLB games, which has proven controversial among some fans. The quality of broadcasts is fine, but errors like this will not exactly endear them to fans.
