The Atlanta Braves and New York Mets embarked on a crucial three-game series on Tuesday night, with both teams vying for critical postseason positions. As the series commenced, the Mets held a slender half-game lead for a wild-card spot, while the Braves trailed narrowly behind. The Braves edged out the Mets with a victory in Tuesday's opener, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle over the next two games.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza noted, as of 5 p.m. Tuesday, that he had not received any word from MLB regarding potential changes to the series schedule. This uncertainty looms large, especially given the arrival of Hurricane Helene, escalating concerns for player safety and the logistics of the series.
A Looming Storm
Hurricane Helene, now upgraded to a Category 3 storm, is anticipated to make landfall in Florida by Thursday. With heavy rain expected to drench Atlanta starting Wednesday at 1 p.m. and continuing through Friday, MLB officials face the challenge of adapting the series schedule amidst severe weather threats.
The National Hurricane Center has issued a stark warning: "Life-threatening storm surge, damaging winds, and flooding rains to a large portion of Florida and the southeastern United States." The severe weather also brings with it the possibility of thunderstorms and tornadoes, forecasts that could disrupt planned game times.
Schedule Adjustments on the Table
Thursday's game is currently slated for a 7:20 p.m. ET start. However, considerations are in place to shift the game to an earlier time, such as 1 p.m. ET or 12 p.m. ET, to avoid the worst of the storm. Additionally, the idea of a doubleheader on Wednesday is in play, taking advantage of the teams having had an off-day on Monday.
Entire MLB series have historically been relocated due to adverse weather conditions. Notable examples include the Astros vs. Cubs series in 2008, moved to Milwaukee's Miller Park because of Hurricane Ike, and the Rangers vs. Astros series in 2017, which was relocated to Tampa's Tropicana Field following Hurricane Harvey. For the Braves and Mets, Globe Life Field in Arlington has emerged as a potential alternate venue should relocation become necessary.
Complex Decisions Await
Should the games face significant delays or cancellation, the possibility of rescheduling the final game to Monday is another option. This would position the game on the off-day separating the end of the regular season and the start of the Wild Card Series. However, such a shift would only occur if the game's outcome is vital for postseason qualification. Should the need to reschedule prove logistically unfeasible, both teams might conclude their season with a 161-game slate instead of the usual 162 games.
While moving a game to a neutral site or rescheduling it post-regular season is a complex last resort, the simplest and most efficient solutions remain either rescheduling Thursday's game to an earlier time or arranging a doubleheader on Wednesday. These options aim to sidestep the brunt of Hurricane Helene's impact while ensuring the series proceeds with minimal disruption.
Impact on Team Logistics
The Braves find themselves in a relatively stable position, as they do not require immediate travel post-series. Conversely, the Mets face a challenging schedule ahead. MLB officials continue to monitor Hurricane Helene's trajectory closely, balancing the need for safety with the integrity of the season's final games.
As both teams gear up for the remainder of this decisive series, the stakes couldn't be higher. The Mets need just two more wins to secure their place in the postseason, while the Braves aim to keep their chances alive. How the storm and MLB's decisions unfold will undoubtedly play a critical role in shaping the fate of these two determined teams.