Major League Baseball has opted to postpone two pivotal games between the Atlanta Braves and the New York Mets due to the encroaching threat of Hurricane Helene near the Atlanta area. The postponed games, initially slated for Wednesday and Thursday, have been rescheduled as a doubleheader on Monday, provided there are postseason implications.
The Mets, boasting an 87-70 record and securing the National League's No. 5 seed, face a challenging end to their regular season. They are set to engage in a three-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers this weekend. Meanwhile, the Braves remain tightly in the race, trailing just a half-game behind Arizona for the final NL wild-card spot. Their upcoming series is against the Kansas City Royals at home, a crucial series given the current standings.
One significant twist in this narrative is the logistical challenge posed by the schedule adjustment. The rearrangement mandates the Mets' return to Atlanta for the Monday doubleheader, should it prove necessary for postseason considerations. This alteration adds another layer of complexity to an already demanding schedule for both teams.
Tuesday's series opener saw robust attendance with 40,103 fans at Truist Park, where Atlanta secured a 5-1 victory. This attendance number underscores the Braves' expectations of large crowds for the series, which have influenced their decisions regarding game logistics. According to the New York Post, there was initial hesitation from the Braves to move any games in this series due to anticipated large crowds at Truist Park.
Background conversations with involved personnel indicated that the Braves were focusing on the logistical difficulties of rescheduling, particularly issues surrounding security, concessionaires, and other game-day staff. An insider noted, "Basically, the Braves were expecting large attendance for the three games and did not want to forego the gates nor work through the logistics of moving personnel such as security, concessionaires, etc., to other dates or start times."
The decision to postpone the games ultimately rests with Major League Baseball, a fact that has not gone unnoticed by those closely following the situation. Another source pointed out, "Ultimately, the blame for any weather issues during these important games Wednesday and Thursday falls on MLB. The league has the final say."
Given the proximity to postseason play and the narrow margins that separate teams vying for spots, the decision to reschedule as a doubleheader looms large. One source noted the likelihood of these games impacting postseason positions: "The games will only be played if there are postseason implications, but that seems likely as things stand."
As both teams prepare for their upcoming series, the weather remains an element beyond their control. However, the strategies and logistics involved in accommodating such disruptions highlight the challenges faced by Major League Baseball in balancing competitive fairness, player safety, and fan engagement.
This season's ending promises a thrilling finish, with every game carrying significant weight. The potential rescheduling adds another element of drama, ensuring that the pursuit of postseason glory remains as unpredictable as ever.