Major League Baseball (MLB) has announced the postponement of two highly anticipated games between the Atlanta Braves and the New York Mets due to the looming threat of Hurricane Helene, which is approaching the Atlanta area. Initially scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, these games are now slated for a potential doubleheader on Monday, provided they hold postseason implications.
The postponement comes as the Mets, who boast an impressive 87-70 record, secure the National League's No. 5 seed. In contrast, the Braves are hot on Arizona's heels, trailing just a half-game behind for the final NL wild-card spot. The decision to reschedule the games may significantly shape the playoff landscape, impacting both team's postseason aspirations.
Scheduling Challenges
The Mets are set to engage in a three-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers this weekend, while the Braves will face the Kansas City Royals at home. This complex scheduling now necessitates that the Mets return to Atlanta for the doubleheader on Monday, adding yet another layer of logistical challenges for both teams. Truist Park, which hosted 40,103 fans for Tuesday's series opener—an event Atlanta clinched with a decisive 5-1 victory—will again become the focal point of baseball drama if the postseason stakes remain high.
Reaction from the Teams
In the midst of these changes, it has been reported that the Braves were initially resistant to the idea of moving any games in this series. According to the New York Post, the Braves "balked at moving any games this series because they were expecting large crowds at Truist Park.” This sentiment is echoed by another insider who noted, "Background conversations with involved personnel indicated that 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."
League's Final Decision
Ultimately, the final call rested with Major League Baseball. As sources indicate, "Ultimately, the blame for any weather issues during these important games Wednesday and Thursday falls on MLB. The league has the final say." The uncertainty now lies squarely on the shoulders of the league and its capacity to efficiently manage such disruptions while ensuring the integrity of the game and the safety of everyone involved.
Fans and analysts will be keeping a close eye on this development, as the rescheduled games have the potential to significantly impact the postseason race. "The games will only be played if there are postseason implications, but that seems likely as things stand," explains a source. The forthcoming days will thus be crucial not only for the teams involved but for MLB as a whole, as the league navigates through these unprecedented challenges.