In a decisive move aimed at guaranteeing safety amid imminent weather threats, Major League Baseball has announced the postponement of two eagerly anticipated games between the Atlanta Braves and the New York Mets. The precautionary decision comes as Hurricane Helene approaches the Atlanta area, prompting adjustments to the MLB schedule.
The postponed games, which were originally set for Wednesday and Thursday, will now potentially be played on Monday, but only if they bear postseason implications. This alteration means a high-stakes doubleheader could be in the cards depending on the evolving playoff scenario.
Mets and Braves Playoff Push
The postseason landscape adds an intriguing layer to this rescheduling. The Mets currently boast an 87-70 record, securing them the National League's No. 5 seed. Conversely, the Braves are contending fiercely, trailing just a half-game behind Arizona for the final NL wild-card spot. Both teams are in the thick of the playoff hunt, making the potential Monday games critical in determining postseason outcomes.
In the coming days, the Mets are slated to face the Milwaukee Brewers in a three-game series over the weekend, while the Braves are set to host the Kansas City Royals. Due to these pre-existing commitments, the rearrangement requires the Mets to make an additional trip back to Atlanta for the prospective Monday doubleheader.
Truist Park and Fan Expectations
The decision to postpone these games has not been without meticulous consideration. Tuesday's series opener at Truist Park saw a robust attendance of 40,103, signaling significant fan interest. According to the New York Post, the Braves showed reluctance in moving any games within this series due to the expected large crowds. This sentiment was echoed by background conversations with involved personnel, who indicated that the Braves did not want to forgo the gates nor navigate the logistics of relocating personnel such as security and concessionaires to alternate dates or start times.
Ultimately, despite the Braves' concerns, the overarching responsibility falls on MLB. Sources close to the league conveyed that "the blame for any weather issues during these important games Wednesday and Thursday falls on MLB. The league has the final say."
The Road Ahead
The Monday doubleheader remains a conditional fixture dependent on the unfolding playoff scenario. An unnamed source emphasized that "the games will only be played if there are postseason implications, but that seems likely as things stand."
With both the Mets and Braves in the heat of their playoff campaigns, the possibility of additional encounters at Truist Park could dramatically influence their postseason trajectories. As the teams navigate their respective weekend series, fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close eye on the standings to see if Monday's doubleheader becomes a pivotal chapter in the 2023 MLB season.
For now, all eyes will be on the weather patterns and the impact Hurricane Helene might have on the Atlanta area. The league’s decision underscores a commitment to player, personnel, and fan safety, ensuring that the excitement of baseball remains unmarred by unforeseen natural events.