Braves and Mets Await MLB Decision Amid Hurricane Helene Threat
As Hurricane Helene looms over the region, the Atlanta Braves and the New York Mets find themselves in a holding pattern, nervously watching the skies. Both teams are anxious to complete their pivotal three-game series at Truist Park, with heavy rain and strong winds threatening to disrupt not only Wednesday and Thursday’s games but also the broader playoff landscape.
Despite the approaching storm, Major League Baseball (MLB) has not announced any changes to the schedule. Traditionally, the league has moved games to neutral sites or rescheduled them under similar conditions, but no such decision has been made this time. Potential alternative arrangements, such as shifting Thursday’s game to Monday, an off-day for both teams, or organizing a doubleheader, are no longer feasible as Wednesday afternoon's uncertainty continues.
Tuesday’s series opener at Truist Park attracted an impressive crowd of 40,103 spectators, who watched the Braves secure a 5-1 victory. The Braves were anticipating large turnouts for the entire series. “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,” sources revealed. Given the stakes and logistical complexities, the Braves' reluctance to reschedule appears justified.
The potential scenario where the Braves and Mets face a doubleheader next Monday, the designated off-day between the end of the regular season and the start of the Wild Card Series, is now back on the table. It's a situation further complicated by the Mets' hectic travel schedule. They could find themselves traversing from Atlanta to Milwaukee, then back to Atlanta, and possibly heading to the west coast within a single week. Meanwhile, the Braves are set to host the Kansas City Royals this weekend, which only adds to their logistical challenges and playoff aspirations.
The high stakes of these games cannot be overstated. The Braves currently trail the Arizona Diamondbacks by a mere half-game for the third wild-card slot, making every win critical. On the other hand, the Mets hold a half-game lead over Arizona and a one-game advantage over Atlanta, positioning them precariously in the standings. With so much on the line, any game cancellations could significantly impact the playoff picture.
Unfortunately, despite the mounting weather concerns, MLB has decided to maintain the current schedule. “Spokespeople for MLB, the Braves, and the Mets all offered no comment on how this point was reached and what is next,” leaving fans and teams alike in suspense.
The coming days will undoubtedly be tense for both organizations, as they await further developments regarding the weather and MLB’s final decision. With crucial games on the horizon and playoff dreams hanging in the balance, the Braves and Mets can do little more than prepare and adapt to whatever scenarios unfold.