Major League Baseball (MLB) has announced the postponement of two highly anticipated games between the Atlanta Braves and the New York Mets, as Hurricane Helene approaches the Atlanta area. The games, initially scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, have been pushed to Monday, contingent on their postseason implications.
In a season already rife with dramatic turns, this scheduling shake-up adds another layer of complexity. The Mets boast an 87-70 record, comfortably securing the National League's No. 5 seed. Meanwhile, the Braves are a mere half-game behind Arizona for the final NL wild-card spot. With playoff positions hanging in the balance, these games could serve as a critical juncture in both teams' seasons.
Postseason Stakes High
The rearranged schedule requires the Mets to make a return trip to Atlanta for a doubleheader on Monday, assuming the games are necessary for postseason consideration. Currently slated for a three-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers this weekend, the Mets have a packed schedule already. The Braves, on the other hand, will face the Kansas City Royals at home over the weekend before the potential doubleheader.
The Logistics Behind the Decision
According to reports, the Braves were initially resistant to the idea of rescheduling, considering the logistics involved and the anticipated large crowd turnout at Truist Park. "According to the New York Post, the Braves balked at moving any games this series because they were expecting large crowds at Truist Park," according to an unnamed source. Further insider details revealed that the Braves were particularly concerned about the logistics of reallocating personnel such as security and concessionaires.
"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," added another insider.
MLB's Final Say
The final decision, of course, rested with MLB. "Ultimately, the blame for any weather issues during these important games Wednesday and Thursday falls on MLB. The league has the final say," sources commented. With Hurricane Helene fast approaching, the league had to weigh the safety of players, staff, and fans against the backdrop of a tight postseason race.
Fans and Teams Adjust
Tuesday's series opener at Truist Park witnessed an impressive turnout of 40,103 fans, demonstrating the local interest and high stakes of these games. The Braves rewarded their supporters with a solid 5-1 victory over the Mets, setting the stage for what should have been an exciting continuation of the series. Now, the anticipation for Monday's potential doubleheader adds another wrinkle to an already unpredictable season.
The decision to play the postponed games only if there are postseason implications seems prudent given the current standings and projections. As one unnamed source noted: "The games will only be played if there are postseason implications, but that seems likely as things stand."
The rescheduling means both teams need to remain flexible and focused amidst the added travel and uncertainty. The Mets, already locked into the No. 5 seed, might see the doubleheader as an opportunity to fine-tune their lineup heading into the playoffs. For the Braves, these games could be do-or-die, pushing them either into the postseason or into the offseason.
As fans, teams, and league officials brace for what comes next, all eyes will be on the weather forecasts and the evolving playoff picture. For now, one thing is clear: in this season of twists and turns, the unexpected has become the norm.