Major League Baseball has postponed two crucial games between the Atlanta Braves and the New York Mets due to the looming threat of Hurricane Helene, which is currently heading toward the Atlanta area. The games, initially scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, have been rescheduled for a potential doubleheader on Monday if postseason implications are still at stake.
With the Mets holding an 87-70 record and securing the National League's No. 5 seed, and the Braves trailing just half a game behind Arizona for the final NL wild-card spot, these games have significant postseason repercussions. The stakes couldn't be higher as both teams vie for their playoff berths.
Impacts of the Rescheduling
The rescheduling will require the Mets to travel back to Atlanta after completing a three-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers this weekend. Meanwhile, the Braves, who will host the Kansas City Royals at Truist Park this weekend, will also have to adjust their plans to accommodate the Monday doubleheader.
The decision has logistical ramifications, particularly for the Braves. According to the New York Post, the Braves initially balked at moving any games in this series due to expectations of large crowds at Truist Park. An insider further explained, "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." On Tuesday, Truist Park saw an attendance of 40,103 fans for the series opener, which Atlanta won 5-1.
Weather's Role in MLB Decisions
Ultimately, the responsibility for any weather-related disruptions during these critical games falls on MLB. Sources have pointed out that "the league has the final say" in such situations, underscoring the importance of player safety and logistical feasibility in making these tough calls.
Potential Postseason Implications
The postponed games will only be played if they have postseason implications, which seems likely given the current standings. "The games will only be played if there are postseason implications, but that seems likely as things stand," an unnamed source stated.
The Mets’ upcoming series against the Milwaukee Brewers is crucial, as they aim to solidify their playoff position. The Braves, on the other hand, need to capitalize on their home-field advantage against the Kansas City Royals to keep their postseason hopes alive. The potential Monday doubleheader could therefore be a deciding factor in the Braves' wild-card pursuit.
With both teams on the brink of postseason play, the rescheduling has added a layer of suspense to an already thrilling end to the regular season. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as these teams navigate their final games amid the challenges posed by Hurricane Helene.
New York and Atlanta fans have demonstrated immense passion and support throughout the season, with large turnouts expected at both Milwaukee's American Family Field and Atlanta's Truist Park. This unwavering fan support is a testament to the high stakes and intense competition that characterize Major League Baseball, particularly as teams make their final pushes for the playoffs.
As the weather forecast develops, MLB's decision to prioritize safety while maintaining the integrity of the playoff race is crucial. While the rescheduled games present logistical challenges, they also offer an opportunity for both the Braves and the Mets to demonstrate resilience and adaptability on their paths to potential postseason glory.