As of Wednesday afternoon, the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets find themselves in a state of uncertainty, anxiously awaiting confirmation on whether they can complete their pivotal three-game series at Truist Park. This apprehension is fueled by the looming presence of Hurricane Helene, which threatens to bring heavy rain and strong winds that might disrupt Wednesday and Thursday’s games.
Major League Baseball (MLB) has yet to announce any changes to the schedule. Traditionally, the league has moved games to neutral sites under similar circumstances, but no such decision has been communicated this time. Options such as rescheduling Thursday’s game to Monday, an off-day for both teams, or even arranging a doubleheader, are now off the table.
Tuesday’s series opener saw a staggering 40,103 fans fill Truist Park, demonstrating the high stakes and public interest in this series. Despite the mounting weather concerns, MLB has decided to uphold the current scheduling setup. The Braves and Mets may face a doubleheader next Monday, the designated off-day between the end of the regular season and the start of the Wild Card Series.
“Basically the Braves were expecting large attendance for the three games (it was 40,103 at Truist Park for Tuesday's series opener, won 5-1 by Atlanta) 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,” according to sources.
The stakes for these games are particularly significant given the current standings. The Braves trail the Arizona Diamondbacks by a mere half-game for the third wild-card slot. On the other hand, the Mets hold a half-game lead over Arizona and a one-game advantage over Atlanta. The potential for game cancellations could further complicate an already tight race.
The scenario isn’t limited to just rescheduling implications. If the current schedule holds, the Mets could be faced with a grueling travel itinerary—potentially flying from Atlanta to Milwaukee, then back to Atlanta, and possibly to the west coast within just one week. This travel fatigue could influence their performance in crucial games leading into the Wild Card Series.
Spokespeople for MLB, the Braves, and the Mets have all opted to remain silent on the matter. "Spokespeople for MLB, the Braves, and the Mets all offered no comment on how this point was reached and what is next," they stated, leaving both fans and players in a state of suspense.
Meanwhile, the Braves are also scheduled to host the Kansas City Royals this weekend, adding another layer of complexity to their logistical planning. They will have to navigate any potential disruptions caused by Hurricane Helene while ensuring they remain competitive in these critical final games of the regular season.
As Hurricane Helene casts a shadow over the southeastern United States, MLB’s decision-making process remains cloaked in uncertainty. For the Braves and Mets, every game counts as they vie for critical playoff positions. The next few days will be crucial, not just for these two teams, but for the integrity and fairness of the playoff race as a whole.
The baseball community remains on edge, eagerly awaiting word from MLB officials. Until then, all eyes are on the skies above Truist Park, hoping for a break in the weather that will allow America's pastime to proceed uninterrupted.