As of Wednesday afternoon, the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets are in a state of anxious anticipation, awaiting confirmation on whether their crucial three-game series at Truist Park can be completed. The looming specter of Hurricane Helene has brought with it the threat of heavy rain and fierce winds, conditions that could upend the games scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday.
MLB Keeps Fans in Suspense
Major League Baseball (MLB) has yet to officially announce any changes to the schedule, leaving both teams and their fans in a state of uncertainty. Although the league has previously opted to move games to neutral sites under similar circumstances, no such decision has been made for this series.
Initially, rescheduling Thursday’s game to Monday or organizing a doubleheader seemed feasible. However, these options have since been rendered impractical. Tuesday’s series opener, which saw a crowd of 40,103 fans fill Truist Park, demonstrated the intense interest and high stakes surrounding these games.
Sources indicated that the Braves were hesitant to forego the expected large attendance. "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," sources revealed.
Travel and Scheduling Nightmares
The possibility of rescheduled games could create a logistical nightmare for both teams, especially the Mets. If the games get postponed to next Monday, the Mets could potentially face a grueling travel schedule that takes them from Atlanta to Milwaukee and then possibly to the west coast, all within one week.
The Braves, who are preparing to host the Kansas City Royals this weekend, face their own set of challenges. With the current standings being razor-thin, each game is critical. The Braves find themselves trailing the Arizona Diamondbacks by a mere half-game for the coveted third wild-card slot. Meanwhile, the Mets hold a half-game lead over Arizona and a one-game advantage over Atlanta. Any game cancellations or disruptions could have significant implications for the postseason picture.
Silence from MLB and Team Officials
As the weather continues to threaten, the silence from MLB, the Braves, and the Mets has only fueled speculation. "Spokespeople for MLB, the Braves, and the Mets all offered no comment on how this point was reached and what is next," said sources familiar with the situation. This lack of communication has left fans and players alike in a state of limbo.
The stakes are undeniably high, and the impending weather only adds to the tension. With both teams having so much on the line, the decisions made in the coming days will be closely watched and could have lasting ramifications. All eyes remain on Truist Park, waiting to see how the situation unfolds and hoping for clarity amid the uncertainty.