The Atlanta Braves and New York Mets began a pivotal three-game series on Tuesday night, with postseason implications hanging in the balance. Entering the series, the Mets clung to a slim half-game lead in the wild-card race, while the Braves were hot on their heels, trailing by just half a game.
Tuesday night saw the Braves claim a crucial victory, setting the tone for what promises to be a fiercely contested series. For the Mets, the stakes are clear: winning two out of the next three games would secure their spot in the postseason. The Braves, however, need more than just this series to seal their postseason fate.
Weather Threatens Series
As the action unfolds on the diamond, Hurricane Helene looms ominously. The National Hurricane Center's 11 a.m. Wednesday update upgraded Helene to a hurricane, with landfall in Florida anticipated to occur on Thursday as a Category 3 storm. This development casts a shadow over the series, particularly as the weather forecast for Atlanta predicts heavy rain starting Wednesday at 1 p.m., persisting through Friday.
The potential impact of Hurricane Helene doesn't stop at torrential rains. Thunderstorms and tornadoes are also possible from Wednesday to Friday, which could significantly disrupt the series. As of 5 p.m. Tuesday, the league hadn't made any adjustments to the schedule, with Thursday's game still set for a 7:20 p.m. ET start. However, MLB officials are closely monitoring the storm's path and considering contingency plans.
Possible Adjustments and Contingencies
Among the options being considered, moving Thursday's game to an earlier time slot appears the simplest and most efficient. Shifting the game to 1 p.m. ET or 12 p.m. ET could help avoid the worst of the storm. Another possibility is scheduling a doubleheader on Wednesday, taking advantage of Monday's off-day.
Should relocation become necessary, Globe Life Field in Arlington stands out as a potential alternate site. Relocating entire series due to severe weather is not unprecedented in Major League Baseball. In 2008, the Astros vs. Cubs series was moved to Milwaukee's Miller Park due to Hurricane Ike, and in 2017, the Rangers vs. Astros series was relocated to Tampa's Tropicana Field in response to Hurricane Harvey.
However, moving the game to a neutral site or rescheduling it post-regular season remains a complex last resort. If the game were postponed to Monday, it would fall on the off-day between the end of the regular season and the start of the Wild Card Series. This adjustment would only be made if the game holds significant weight in determining postseason qualification.
Logistical Challenges
Both teams face challenging logistics should the schedule be altered. The Braves, however, do not have immediate travel commitments after this series, which grants them some flexibility. The Mets, on the other hand, could experience a more disruptive schedule.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza remarked on the uncertainty, noting, "Life-threatening storm surge, damaging winds, and flooding rains to a large portion of Florida and the southeastern United States," as per the National Hurricane Center's warnings. He added that he had not received any word from MLB officials as of 5 p.m. Tuesday.
The prospect of the Braves and Mets playing a 161-game season instead of the standard 162 is on the table if the game is not rescheduled. However, the primary objective remains to conduct the series under conditions that best ensure the safety of players, staff, and fans.
Looking Ahead
As the series continues, both teams are acutely aware of the dual pressures of performing on the field and navigating the uncertainties posed by the impending hurricane. MLB officials are committed to making the most informed decisions possible, balancing competitive fairness with the imperatives of safety and practicality. For now, the focus remains sharply on the field, where each game gains weight as the postseason picture begins to crystallize amidst the storm's shadow.