The Atlanta Braves started strong in their three-game series against the New York Mets, securing a crucial 5-1 victory on Tuesday night. However, their momentum will be temporarily halted due to the impending arrival of Hurricane Helene, which Major League Baseball (MLB) announced has led to the postponement of the next two games in the series.
The National Hurricane Center has upgraded Hurricane Helene to a Category 4 storm, with projections indicating landfall in Florida on Thursday. The storm is anticipated to bring winds exceeding 110 mph, with hurricane-force gusts expected to impact northern Florida and southern Georgia late Thursday and Thursday night. The severity of the situation has led to hurricane warnings being issued for these areas.
In light of the weather forecasts, MLB made the prudent decision on Wednesday afternoon to postpone both Wednesday and Thursday's games between the Braves and the Mets. These crucial matchups have been rescheduled as part of a doubleheader set for Monday. This date was previously designated as a buffer day between the end of the regular season and the start of the Wild Card Series. The doubleheader will proceed only if the games are necessary to determine the postseason race.
"Damaging and life-threatening hurricane-force winds, especially in gusts, will penetrate well inland over portions of northern Florida and southern Georgia late Thursday and Thursday night, where hurricane warnings are in effect," stated the National Hurricane Center, emphasizing the potential danger posed by Hurricane Helene.
The stakes are particularly high as the postseason approaches. The Mets currently hold a wild-card spot by a razor-thin half-game margin. Meanwhile, the Braves are also in a tight battle, trailing the Arizona Diamondbacks by just a half-game for the coveted No. 6 seed. The postponement of these games complicates the final sprint to the playoffs, adding a layer of unpredictability to an already intense race.
The Mets will finish their schedule with a three-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers. On the other hand, the Braves are slated to host the Kansas City Royals from Friday through Sunday, weather permitting. The Braves organization is keen on protecting their ticket sales for this home series but recognizes that the safety of players, staff, and fans is paramount given the hurricane’s severity.
The rescheduled doubleheader on Monday could prove decisive for both teams. As the postseason landscape hangs in the balance, the outcome of these games may have lasting impacts on who makes the cut for the 2024 playoffs. For now, all eyes are on Hurricane Helene, as the league, teams, and fans brace for its impact.