Braves and Mets Await MLB Decision Amid Hurricane Helene Threat
As of Wednesday afternoon, the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets find themselves in a tense holding pattern, laboring under the looming threat of Hurricane Helene. This potential natural disaster casts a shadow over their crucial three-game series at Truist Park.
The threat of heavy rain and strong winds could disrupt the series, particularly the games scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday. Major League Baseball (MLB) has yet to announce any changes to the schedule, leaving both teams and their fans in a state of anxious anticipation.
Potential Schedule Adjustments
In previous instances where weather posed significant risks, MLB has moved games to neutral sites. However, no such decision has been made in this case. Potential strategies for rescheduling, such as moving Thursday’s game to Monday— an off-day for both teams— or arranging a doubleheader, appear to have fallen by the wayside.
This static stance by the league has led to mounting concerns among the Braves and the Mets, who recognize that schedule adjustments are no longer viable. The situation is further complicated by the logistical challenges involved in moving personnel, such as security and concessionaires, to other 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," said sources.
MLB's Silence and the Stakes Involved
Spokespeople for MLB, the Braves, and the Mets have remained tight-lipped on how this situation reached such a juncture and what steps may follow. "Spokespeople for MLB, the Braves and the Mets all offered no comment on how this point was reached and what is next," they said.
The stakes for these games are incredibly high, given the current standings. The Braves trail the Arizona Diamondbacks by a mere half-game for the third wild-card slot, while the Mets hold a half-game lead over Arizona and a one-game advantage over Atlanta. With potential cancellations hanging in the balance, the race for the wild-card positions could become even more convoluted.
Travel Chaos for the Mets
Adding to the drama is the potential for a grueling travel schedule for the Mets. If the games are pushed to next Monday— the designated off-day between the end of the regular season and the start of the Wild Card Series— the Mets could find themselves traveling from Atlanta to Milwaukee, back to Atlanta, and potentially to the west coast within the span of a week.
Impact on the Braves
Meanwhile, the Braves are preparing to host the Kansas City Royals this weekend, adding another layer of complexity. The team’s scheduling woes are exacerbated by the fact that any potential game cancellations or rescheduling efforts could significantly change the landscape of their season.
The uncertainty surrounding the games not only affects the players and coaching staff but also the fans who were eagerly anticipating this critical series. With the Tuesday opener drawing a substantial crowd of 40,103 spectators, expectations were high for the remaining games. The impact of potentially losing out on ticket revenue and the associated logistics cannot be overstated.
Waiting for Clarity
As both teams and their ardent supporters wait for the league’s decision, the unpredictability of the weather remains a critical factor. MLB's reluctance to alter the current scheduling setup suggests a preference for maintaining status quo, despite the considerable risks and complications involved.
For now, the Braves and Mets, along with their fans, are left to weather the storm of uncertainty, hoping for a resolution that allows them to focus on the game rather than the skies above.