As the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets embarked on a crucial three-game series on Tuesday night, the stakes could not be higher. The Mets currently hold a razor-thin half-game lead on a wild-card spot, with the Braves trailing just behind them by the same slim margin. Tuesday's outcome added another layer of drama, as the Braves secured the first win of the series, inching closer to overtaking the Mets.
Adding to the tension is the looming threat of Hurricane Helene, which was upgraded to a hurricane in the National Hurricane Center's 11 a.m. Wednesday update. Forecasts predict the storm will make landfall in Florida on Thursday as a formidable Category 3 hurricane, bringing severe weather conditions directly into play for the series. Heavy rain is forecasted to begin in Atlanta by 1 p.m. Wednesday and is expected to persist through Friday, with thunderstorms and tornadoes also possible.
Despite these forecasts, the league had not made any adjustments to the series schedule as of 5 p.m. Tuesday. The game set for Thursday at 7:20 p.m. ET remains under scrutiny. MLB officials are closely monitoring Hurricane Helene's path, considering a potential move to an earlier time slot to avoid the worst of the storm. An advancement to 1 p.m. ET or even noon is in discussion, but the possibility of a doubleheader on Wednesday due to Monday's off-day also lingers as a practical option.
Relocating entire series due to severe weather is not unprecedented in MLB history. Notably, the Astros vs. Cubs series in 2008 was moved to Milwaukee's Miller Park due to Hurricane Ike, and the Rangers vs. Astros series in 2017 relocated to Tampa's Tropicana Field because of Hurricane Harvey. Considering these precedents, Globe Life Field in Arlington has emerged as a potential alternate site if relocation becomes necessary for the Braves and Mets.
In the event of a postponement to Monday, which falls on the off-day between the end of the regular season and the start of the Wild Card Series, such an adjustment would only be made if the game's outcome holds significant weight in determining postseason qualification. Should the game not be rescheduled, both teams might end up playing a 161-game season instead of the standard 162. Consequently, moving the game to a neutral site or rescheduling it post-regular season remains a complex last resort. The simplest and most efficient solutions appear to be moving Thursday’s game to an earlier slot or scheduling a doubleheader on Wednesday.
Beyond the logistics, the stakes on the field remain incredibly high. The Mets have an opportunity to clinch a postseason berth by winning two out of the next three games. Meanwhile, the Braves, although unable to secure their postseason spot with just this series, are eyeing the narrow half-game difference with determination. The outcome will significantly influence the standings as the regular season draws to a close.
In a press conference, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza noted he had not received any word from MLB as of 5 p.m. Tuesday. This uncertainty leaves both teams and their respective fan bases in a state of anxious anticipation. Meanwhile, the National Hurricane Center has issued warnings of "life-threatening storm surge, damaging winds, and flooding rains to a large portion of Florida and the southeastern United States." The gravity of the impending weather only adds to the stress and complexity of MLB’s scheduling decisions.
The Braves face the luxury of not having to travel immediately after this series, potentially easing their planning amidst the storm. In contrast, a disruptive schedule looms large for the Mets once this series concludes.
As both teams keep an eye on the weather reports and await official word from the league, the suspense continues on and off the field. The series promises high-stakes baseball drama, only intensified by the natural elements threatening to play their part in this critical juncture of the season.