This week's Major League Baseball schedule has been thrown a curveball as two games between the Atlanta Braves and the New York Mets have been postponed due to the looming threat of Hurricane Helene.
The decision to delay the matchups originally scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday in Atlanta was made with player and fan safety in mind, given the hurricane's expected impact on the region. This precautionary measure means the games could potentially be played as a doubleheader on Monday, but only if postseason standings necessitate it.
Postseason Implications
Currently holding an 87-70 record, the Mets have already secured the National League's No. 5 seed. Their final series of the regular season is a three-game set against the Milwaukee Brewers this weekend. As the Braves are just a half-game behind the Arizona Diamondbacks for the final wild-card spot, each game carries significant weight. Atlanta is scheduled to play the Kansas City Royals at home this weekend, heightening the stakes.
If Monday’s doubleheader becomes a reality, the Mets will have to return to Atlanta after their series against Milwaukee, adding a layer of logistical challenge to an already intense playoff race.
Attendance Concerns
Despite the urgency imposed by the weather, the Atlanta Braves initially resisted changing any games of this crucial 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." The team reportedly anticipated significant attendance for all three games and was reluctant to forego the revenue or deal with the logistical complexities of rescheduling game day personnel like security and concession workers.
Background conversations with personnel involved in these decisions also suggested 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."
MLB Final Decision
The ultimate call to postpone came from Major League Baseball, which retains authority over game scheduling especially in cases involving weather disruptions. Sources close to the situation noted, "the blame for any weather issues during these important games Wednesday and Thursday falls on MLB. The league has the final say."
The logistical complications and financial implications surrounding game cancellations or postponements are a burden every team and its city would prefer to avoid, but player and fan safety must always come first. Given the current standings, MLB found it necessary to err on the side of caution while remaining flexible with the possibility of a significant doubleheader if postseason positions mandate it.
The anticipation for these pivotal games is palpable. Truist Park saw an attendance of 40,103 fans for the Tuesday series opener, where the Braves clinched a 5-1 victory. Monday’s potential doubleheader, should it occur, is expected to draw similar numbers and generate even more excitement as playoff hopes hang in the balance.
As teams and fans alike monitor Hurricane Helene’s path and impact, the revised schedule reflects the dynamic nature of professional sports. Both the Mets and the Braves are prepared to adapt, knowing that each game ahead could significantly influence their postseason dalliance. The blend of natural challenges and competitive fervor makes this a season closer like no other.