Major League Baseball has announced the postponement of two crucial games between the Atlanta Braves and the New York Mets due to the approach of Hurricane Helene to the Atlanta area. This decision impacts games initially scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, now set to be played as a doubleheader on Monday, contingent upon their postseason implications.
As it stands, the New York Mets hold an 87-70 record, securing them the National League's No. 5 seed. Meanwhile, the Braves are in a tight race, trailing just a half-game behind Arizona for the final NL wild-card spot. This postponement adds a layer of complexity to an already intense period of competition for both teams.
The Mets will soon face a three-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers, while the Braves are set to host the Kansas City Royals at Truist Park this weekend. This scheduling intricacy means that the Mets must return to Atlanta for the Monday doubleheader if the games hold postseason significance. The logistical undertakings are significant, but MLB deemed it necessary given the severe weather forecasted.
Attendance Concerns
The deliberations behind the postponement involved several considerations. According to sources, the Atlanta Braves were initially hesitant to move any games due to the expected large crowds at Truist Park. "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," said an insider.
This added complexity highlights the business aspect of baseball, where attendance and game-day revenue play critical roles. Truist Park saw an impressive turnout of 40,103 fans for Tuesday's series opener, which Atlanta won 5-1. The financial and logistical ramifications of game rescheduling are substantial, especially for teams in the thick of a postseason hunt.
MLB's Final Say
Despite the Braves' reluctance, MLB's jurisdiction over game scheduling ultimately determined the postponement. "Ultimately, the blame for any weather issues during these important games Wednesday and Thursday falls on MLB. The league has the final say," sources confirmed. The league’s decision underscores the broader responsibility MLB has in ensuring player safety and the overall integrity of the season.
For fans and teams alike, the focus now shifts to the weekend's games and the potential Monday doubleheader, which promises to be an exhilarating conclusion if it carries postseason ramifications. "The games will only be played if there are postseason implications, but that seems likely as things stand," an unnamed source mentioned. Given the tight standings, it is highly plausible that these games will indeed be necessary.
As the baseball community watches the storm and the standings closely, the impromptu doubleheader may yet become a defining moment for both the Braves and the Mets in their quest for postseason glory.