Major League Baseball has announced the postponement of two scheduled games between the Atlanta Braves and the New York Mets, citing the impending approach of Hurricane Helene towards the Atlanta area. The games, originally set for Wednesday and Thursday, will now potentially be played as a doubleheader on Monday, but only if they have postseason relevance.
The Mets, currently maintaining an 87-70 record, have secured the National League's No. 5 seed. Meanwhile, the Braves are in a heated race, trailing just a half-game behind Arizona for the final NL wild-card spot. Given the high stakes, the postponed games carry significant weight as the teams vie for playoff positions.
The logistics surrounding the postponement have been complex, particularly for the Mets. The team is slated to play a three-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers this weekend, necessitating additional travel back to Atlanta for the rescheduled doubleheader if it becomes necessary. The Braves, meanwhile, are scheduled to play the Kansas City Royals at home this coming weekend.
Attendance has played a notable role in the decision-making process. Truist Park saw a turnout of 40,103 fans for Tuesday's series opener, in which the Braves triumphed with a 5-1 victory. "According to the New York Post, the Braves balked at moving any games this series because they were expecting large crowds at Truist Park," an unnamed source revealed. The substantial attendance figures underscore the importance of these games not only from a competitive standpoint but also from a financial perspective.
Further insights from involved personnel indicate the logistical challenges the Braves would face with moving the games. One insider 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." This highlights the multifaceted considerations at play in the decision to postpone the games.
Ultimately, the responsibility for weather-related decisions falls on Major League Baseball. As sources observe, "The league has the final say," which underscores MLB's role in ensuring the safety of players, staff, and fans alike. The decision to reschedule the games only if they have postseason implications seems a prudent move, given the current standings and potential playoff picture. "The games will only be played if there are postseason implications, but that seems likely as things stand," noted another unnamed source.
The rescheduling adds another layer of complexity to an already intense period for both teams. The Mets' travel schedule becomes even more demanding, while the Braves must navigate the uncertainty surrounding the wild-card race. However, safety and the integrity of the competition remain paramount. These considerations influence the planning and execution of game schedules, particularly when severe weather poses a significant risk.
As both teams prepare for the week's remaining challenges, the potential doubleheader in Atlanta looms large on the horizon. With Hurricane Helene's approach dictating unprecedented changes, MLB and the involved teams must remain adaptable and prioritize safety without compromising the competitive spirit that defines the league.