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 approach of Hurricane Helene to the Atlanta area. The games, originally scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, will now be played as a doubleheader on Monday, but only if they have postseason implications.
The decision, which affects a critical juncture of the season, underscores the delicate balance between safety concerns and the playoffs race. The Mets, currently holding an 87-70 record, have secured the National League's No. 5 seed. Meanwhile, the Braves are just a half-game behind the Arizona Diamondbacks for the final NL wild-card spot, adding a layer of intensity to any game played in this final stretch.
Impact on the Schedule
This adjustment means that following their weekend series—where the Mets will face the Milwaukee Brewers and the Braves are set to play the Kansas City Royals at home—the Mets will need to return to Atlanta for the doubleheader on Monday. Truist Park, the home venue for the Braves, welcomed 40,103 fans for Tuesday's series opener against the Mets, which the Braves won 5-1. The turnout highlighted the significance of the series for the local fanbase.
Logistical Challenges
According to sources referenced by the New York Post, the Braves initially resisted rescheduling any games in this series due to the expectation of large crowds. "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," an insider noted.
The pressure of hosting a successful and well-attended series has to be weighed against the unpredictable nature of a hurricane's path. "Ultimately, the blame for any weather issues during these important games Wednesday and Thursday falls on MLB. The league has the final say," as expressed by sources familiar with the league's decision-making process.
Postseason Implications
The plan to hold a doubleheader on Monday hinges on whether these games will impact postseason standings. Given the current tight race for playoff spots, it's highly plausible that the results of these matchups could determine final seeding and participation in the postseason. "The games will only be played if there are postseason implications, but that seems likely as things stand," an unnamed source commented.
With the postseason dreams of both teams potentially hanging in the balance, the stakes could not be higher. The Mets and Braves are both poised to give their all in these pivotal games, striving to secure their spots in October baseball.
As fans and players alike await the rescheduled games, the hope is that safety measures will ensure that the excitement and competitive spirit of MLB remain forefront, even amidst the disruptions caused by Hurricane Helene. The coming days are set to be a telling chapter in this year's dramatic and unpredictable season.