As of Wednesday afternoon, the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets find themselves in a tense holding pattern, awaiting clarity on their crucial three-game series at Truist Park. Hurricane Helene threatens the region with heavy rain and strong winds, raising the specter of disruption for both Wednesday and Thursday’s games.
Major League Baseball (MLB) has yet to announce any schedule changes, leaving the teams and fans in a state of uncertainty. Historically, the league has moved games to neutral sites when faced with similar situations, but no such decision has been made this time around.
Weather Woes
Among the available options, rescheduling Thursday’s game to Monday—an off-day for both teams—or arranging a doubleheader, have been considered. However, these possibilities have now been ruled out.
The situation is further complicated by the high stakes at play. The Braves are hosting the Kansas City Royals this weekend and are currently trailing the Arizona Diamondbacks by a mere half-game for the third wild-card slot. Meanwhile, the Mets lead Arizona by half a game and hold a one-game advantage over Atlanta.
Logistical Challenges
Tuesday's series opener drew 40,103 fans to Truist Park, underscoring the high attendance the Braves were expecting for this series. Sources revealed that the team did not want to forgo the gates or deal with the logistics of moving personnel such as security personnel, concession workers, and other staff to alternative dates or start times.
"Basically the Braves were expecting large attendance for the three games (it was 40,103 at Truist Park for Tuesday's series opener, won 5-1 by Atlanta) 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," sources detailed.
Travel Concerns
The prospect of rescheduling could lead the Mets into an exhausting travel itinerary. The potential scenario might see the team journeying from Atlanta to Milwaukee, then back to Atlanta, followed by a trip to the west coast within one week. This rigorous schedule would undoubtedly test the team's endurance and readiness as they aim to maintain their standings.
Unanimous Silence
With so many variables at play, the uncertainty surrounding the games has everyone on edge. Notably, spokespeople for MLB, the Braves, and the Mets have remained tight-lipped about the situation. "Spokespeople for MLB, the Braves, and the Mets all offered no comment on how this point was reached and what is next," stated the sources. This silence leaves fans and players alike anxiously waiting for further updates.
Despite the mounting weather concerns, MLB has decided to stick with the current scheduling setup. The possibility remains that the Braves and Mets could face a doubleheader next Monday, the designated off-day between the end of the regular season and the start of the Wild Card Series. This would ensure the teams meet the necessary number of games played, although it could drastically impact their readiness for the postseason.
High Stakes
As both teams grapple with the uncertainty, the stakes for these games remain incredibly high. Any potential cancellations or reschedules could further complicate the playoff picture, making each game crucial.
Hurricane Helene’s unpredictability hangs heavy in the air, and one thing is clear: the resolution of this scheduling dilemma will have a significant impact on the season’s final standings.