The Atlanta Braves and New York Mets embarked on a crucial three-game series on Tuesday night, with both teams vying for a stronger postseason standing. The Mets currently hold a slight edge with a half-game lead on a wild-card spot, while the Braves trail closely behind by the same margin. Adding to the high stakes, the first skirmish went to Atlanta, setting the stage for a dramatic series.
Securing a postseason berth is a palpable goal for the Mets, who could clinch their spot by winning two out of the next three games. On the other hand, even a clean sweep from the Braves in this series will not yet assure their entry into the playoffs. The tension on the field is mirrored by looming challenges off the diamond, primarily the approach of Hurricane Helene.
Weather Threats
In the latest update from the National Hurricane Center at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Hurricane Helene was upgraded to a Category 3 storm. It is anticipated to make landfall in Florida on Thursday, bringing "life-threatening storm surge, damaging winds, and flooding rains to a large portion of Florida and the southeastern United States." Heavy rain is expected to begin affecting Atlanta by Wednesday afternoon and persist through Friday, heightening the prospect of thunderstorms and even tornadoes in the region.
As of 5 p.m. Tuesday, MLB had not made any adjustments to the series schedule. Thursday's game remains set for a 7:20 p.m. ET start, but if conditions deteriorate, the league might reschedule it to an earlier timeslot, potentially 1 p.m. ET or 12 p.m. ET, to avoid the worst of the storm. A doubleheader on Wednesday is another viable option, especially considering Monday was an off-day for both teams.
Contingency Plans
MLB has precedent for relocating entire series due to severe weather. Notable examples include the Astros vs. Cubs series in 2008, moved to Milwaukee's Miller Park due to Hurricane Ike, and the Rangers vs. Astros series in 2017, relocated to Tampa's Tropicana Field in response to Hurricane Harvey. In this instance, Globe Life Field in Arlington has been identified as a potential alternate site if relocation becomes necessary for the Braves and the Mets.
Should the game be postponed to Monday, it would fall on the off-day scheduled between the regular season's end and the start of the Wild Card Series. This would only transpire if the game's outcome significantly impacts postseason qualification for either team. There's also the possibility that both teams could conclude the season having played only 161 games, instead of the full 162, if rescheduling proves unfeasible.
Ultimately, the simplest and most efficient measures would be to either advance Thursday’s game to an earlier slot or schedule a doubleheader on Wednesday. These options would minimize disruption while ensuring the series is completed on time.
Scheduling Challenges and Path Forward
The Braves have an advantage on their side; they do not have to travel immediately following this series. Conversely, the Mets face a potentially disruptive schedule, adding another layer of complexity to any last-minute adjustments. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza noted he had not received any word from MLB regarding changes as of 5 p.m. Tuesday, reflecting the high level of uncertainty surrounding the situation.
As Hurricane Helene's path is closely monitored, MLB officials remain poised to act swiftly should the situation necessitate it. The interplay of sports and nature creates a dynamic scenario, where crucial games are contested not just between athletes, but also against the elements. Both teams and their fans wait with bated breath, the tension on the field matched only by the unpredictability of the skies.