Major League Baseball has announced the postponement of two pivotal games between the Atlanta Braves and the New York Mets due to the imminent threat of Hurricane Helene approaching the Atlanta area. The games, originally scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, will now be played as a doubleheader on Monday, provided they hold postseason implications.
Impact on Postseason Race
This weather-induced change comes at a crucial time for both teams. The Mets, sitting comfortably with an 87-70 record, have secured the National League's No. 5 seed. However, the Braves find themselves in a more precarious situation. Trailing just a half-game behind Arizona for the final NL wild-card spot, every game is critical for Atlanta as they vie for postseason contention.
The postponed games add an extra layer of complexity to the Braves' schedule. After facing the Kansas City Royals at home this weekend, the Braves will potentially need to accommodate the postponed games into their itinerary, impacting rest and preparation time. Truist Park, which saw an attendance of 40,103 for Tuesday's series opener that Atlanta won 5-1, is expected to host large crowds which were a significant consideration in rescheduling these games.
Logistical Challenges
According to sources, the Braves were initially reluctant to move any games in the series, primarily due to the anticipated large crowds at Truist Park. "The Braves balked at moving any games this series because they were expecting large crowds at Truist Park," reported the New York Post. This sentiment was echoed by another insider who shared that the Braves did not want to forego gate receipts or deal with the logistical headaches of rescheduling essential personnel, including security and concessionaires, to different dates or times.
This stance underscores the financial and operational pressures teams face during such disruptions. "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," the insider elaborated.
The League's Final Say
Ultimately, the decision rested with Major League Baseball, which has the final authority over such matters. "Ultimately, the blame for any weather issues during these important games Wednesday and Thursday falls on MLB. The league has the final say," noted sources familiar with the situation. This decision underscores the league's overarching role in ensuring the safety of players and fans while attempting to balance the competitive integrity of the postseason race.
Revised Schedules
The Mets, who are set to play a three-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers this weekend, will now face the added travel back to Atlanta for the potential Monday doubleheader. This rearrangement places additional logistical strain on the team but is a necessary adjustment given the weather circumstances.
Both teams will need to remain adaptable as they navigate these unique challenges. The games will only proceed if they carry postseason implications, a scenario that seems likely given the current standings and fierce competition for playoff spots. "The games will only be played if there are postseason implications, but that seems likely as things stand," an unnamed source commented.
As Hurricane Helene looms, the postponement of these crucial games underscores the unpredictable nature of sports schedules in the face of natural events. Yet, it also highlights the resilience and adaptability of teams and leagues to maintain the spirit of competition and safety for all involved. With the postseason race heating up, all eyes will be on the Braves and Mets as they navigate the final stretch of the regular season.