Major League Baseball (MLB) has announced the postponement of two significant games between the Atlanta Braves and the New York Mets. The matches, initially set for Wednesday and Thursday, have been rescheduled due to Hurricane Helene, which is rapidly approaching the Atlanta area.
The postponed games could have crucial implications for both teams as the postseason approaches. According to MLB, if these games hold postseason significance, they will be made up as a doubleheader on Monday. The Mets, boasting an 87-70 record, have confidently secured the National League’s No. 5 seed. On the other hand, the Braves find themselves in a hotly contested race, trailing just a half-game behind Arizona for the final NL wild-card spot.
Impact of Postponement
This schedule change not only reshapes the immediate plans of the teams involved but also complicates the logistics for both the Braves and the Mets. With the Mets set to play a three-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers this weekend and the Braves facing the Kansas City Royals at home, the rearrangement will require the Mets to make an additional trip back to Atlanta for the Monday doubleheader.
During Tuesday’s series opener at Truist Park, which Atlanta clinched with a commanding 5-1 win, the venue saw an impressive attendance of 40,103 fans. This high turnout further underscores the significant logistical and financial considerations influencing the decision not to relocate the games.
Rationale and Reactions
An unnamed source relayed insights to the New York Post, shedding light on why the Braves resisted moving the games: "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 source indicated that high expected attendance for the three games was a critical factor, compounded by challenges in rescheduling personnel such as security and concession staff.
Another insider elaborated: "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." These considerations highlight the complex decisions organizations must navigate amidst unforeseen weather disruptions.
Ultimately, the jurisdiction in altering game schedules rests with MLB. Sources close to the matter confirmed: "The blame for any weather issues during these important games Wednesday and Thursday falls on MLB. The league has the final say." This emphasizes the MLB’s substantial responsibility in ensuring player safety while balancing fan engagement and logistical feasibility.
Looking Ahead
The upcoming games hold significant weight. As the playoff race tightens, the potential doubleheader could serve as a pivotal moment for both teams’ postseason aspirations. An insider weighed in on the likelihood of these makeup games taking place: "The games will only be played if there are postseason implications, but that seems likely as things stand." Given the current standings and fierce competition, it seems probable that postseason implications will indeed necessitate these crucial games.
In the meantime, both teams will continue their scheduled series, keeping a keen eye on the outcomes that might shape the final days of the regular season. This unexpected twist further intensifies what has already been an exhilarating race to the playoffs.