In a highly anticipated series with significant playoff implications, the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets clashed in a pivotal three-game set that began on Tuesday night. The stakes are particularly high as the Mets hold a razor-thin half-game lead over the Braves for a wild-card spot. Both teams are vying for critical wins that could determine their postseason fates.
Tuesday night saw the Braves drawing first blood, securing a crucial victory to put them neck-and-neck with the Mets. The win puts immense pressure on New York, who can clinch a postseason berth by winning two out of the next three games. Meanwhile, the Braves need more than just this series to secure their spot in the postseason, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
Weather Looms as a Wild Card
As if the on-field tension wasn't enough, Hurricane Helene has thrown a wrench into the series. Upgraded to a hurricane by the National Hurricane Center's 11 a.m. update on Wednesday, Helene is expected to make landfall in Florida as a Category 3 storm by Thursday. Atlanta isn't spared from the storm's wrath either; heavy rains are forecasted to drench the area beginning Wednesday at 1 p.m. and lasting through Friday. The National Hurricane Center warns of "life-threatening storm surge, damaging winds, and flooding rains to a large portion of Florida and the southeastern United States."
Amidst the looming bad weather, the league has yet to make official adjustments to the series schedule. Thursday's game is currently slated for a 7:20 p.m. ET start, but contingency plans are under consideration. Moving the game up to an earlier time slot, such as 1 p.m. ET or 12 p.m. ET, to avoid the worst of the storm is a probable solution. Additionally, playing a doubleheader on Wednesday–thanks to an off-day on Monday–is also on the table.
"We haven't received any word from MLB as of 5 p.m. Tuesday," said Mets manager Carlos Mendoza, stressing the uncertainty hanging over the series.
Possible Schedule Changes
The league has relocated entire series in the past due to severe weather conditions. Notable examples include the Astros vs. Cubs series in 2008, which was moved to Milwaukee's Miller Park due to Hurricane Ike, and the Rangers vs. Astros series in 2017, relocated to Tampa's Tropicana Field because of Hurricane Harvey. If relocation becomes necessary, Globe Life Field in Arlington could be a viable alternate site for the Braves and Mets series.
Should the game scheduled for Thursday be postponed, an alternate date under consideration is Monday. This would coincide with the off-day between the end of the regular season and the start of the Wild Card Series. However, such an adjustment will only be made if the game significantly impacts postseason qualification. In the worst-case scenario, both teams might end up with a 161-game season instead of the standard 162 if the postponed game isn't rescheduled.
Although relocating the game or rescheduling it post-regular season remains a complex and less desirable option, the simplest solutions are either moving Thursday's game to an earlier time or scheduling a doubleheader on Wednesday. Neither option significantly disrupts the Braves, who do not have immediate travel plans post-series. However, the Mets' schedule might face disruptions due to these changes.
Bracing for Impact
Both teams, fans, and the league are carefully monitoring Hurricane Helene's path as it barrels towards the southeastern United States. The priority is ensuring the safety of everyone involved while also maintaining the integrity of this crucial series. With postseason fates hanging in the balance, the coming days will be decisive, both on the field and in the skies.
In conclusion, the coming days promise not only thrilling baseball but also a test of adaptability and planning as the league navigates both competitive and climatic challenges. Fans of the Braves and Mets should brace themselves for an unforgettable week of baseball, with the potential for dramatic shifts both in standings and schedules.