Major League Baseball has announced the postponement of two significant games between the Atlanta Braves and the New York Mets, originally scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday. The decision came as a proactive measure due to the approach of Hurricane Helene towards the Atlanta area. The postponed games will now potentially be played as a doubleheader on Monday, but only if they bear postseason implications.
The Mets, with an 87-70 record, have already secured the No. 5 seed in the National League. Meanwhile, the Braves are just half a game behind Arizona for the final NL wild-card spot, making the stakes high for these rescheduled matches.
Unavoidable Scheduling Adjustments
The New York Mets have a three-game series lined up against the Milwaukee Brewers this coming weekend. Concurrently, the Braves are set to face the Kansas City Royals at home. This scheduling shuffle means that the Mets will need to travel back to Atlanta for the possible Monday doubleheader. The Braves' decision to resist moving the games was influenced by their anticipation of large crowds at Truist Park. As reported by the New York Post, the Braves were reluctant to shift any games due to the logistical challenges and potential revenue loss associated with rescheduling.
“Background conversations with involved personnel indicated that basically the Braves were expecting large attendance for the three games 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,” an insider revealed.
MLB's Role and Decisions
The ultimate authority to postpone the games rests with Major League Baseball. With player and fan safety as the priority, the league decided it was in the best interest to delay the games. “Ultimately, the blame for any weather issues during these important games Wednesday and Thursday falls on MLB. The league has the final say,” said sources close to the situation. The doubleheader will only proceed if it holds postseason implications. Given the current standings, this scenario appears likely.
Tuesday's opener at Truist Park saw an attendance of 40,103, showcasing the fans' enthusiasm and support, as Atlanta clinched a 5-1 victory over the Mets. This turnout was indicative of the significant crowd anticipation the Braves had expected for the subsequent games in the series.
Looking Ahead
For the Braves, each game in the closing stretch of the season is crucial. As they trail Arizona by a mere half-game for the coveted wild-card spot, ensuring that any postponed games contribute to postseason chances is vital. On the other hand, the Mets, having already secured their spot, face less immediate pressure but will maintain their focus to carry momentum into the playoffs.
The postponement has brought attention to the complexities involved in rescheduling high-stakes games, particularly when external factors such as weather come into play. It underscores the need for flexible yet decisive action to balance competitive integrity, safety, and fan engagement. As fans await updates, the situation remains dynamic, with postseason prospects hinging on the games' outcomes.
As the weekend series culminates, both teams will gear up for what promises to be a pivotal doubleheader, provided those postseason implications remain. Fan anticipation continues to build, knowing that each game could potentially sway the direction of the season for these contending teams.