As of Wednesday afternoon, the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets find themselves in a holding pattern, anxiously awaiting the resolution of their crucial three-game series at Truist Park. The looming threat of Hurricane Helene casts uncertainty over the region, potentially bringing heavy rain and strong winds that could wreak havoc on Wednesday and Thursday’s games.
With neither team in control of the weather, all eyes are now on Major League Baseball (MLB) for guidance. Despite the mounting meteorological concerns, MLB has yet to make any adjustments to the schedule. Historically, the league has relocated games to neutral sites under such circumstances, but no such decision has surfaced this time around.
The Braves and Mets could have rescheduled Thursday’s game to Monday, a mutual off-day for both squads, or possibly orchestrated a doubleheader. However, those options have since evaporated, leaving the teams with dwindling alternatives.
High Stakes Amid Uncertainty
Tuesday’s series opener saw an impressive turnout, with 40,103 fans filling the seats at Truist Park. "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," explained a source close to the situation.
As the Braves also prepare to host the Kansas City Royals over the weekend, the stakes for these games could not be higher. Currently, the Braves trail the Arizona Diamondbacks by a mere half-game for the third wild-card slot. Meanwhile, the Mets hold a slim half-game lead over Arizona and a one-game edge over Atlanta. Any game cancellations or postponements could further complicate an already tight race for playoff positioning.
Travel Logistics and Possible Doubleheaders
While MLB has opted not to overrule the current scheduling setup, this stance leaves room for potential complications. Should the inclement weather persist, the Braves and Mets could find themselves facing a doubleheader next Monday. This date serves as the designated off-day between the conclusion of the regular season and the start of the Wild Card Series.
The logistical nightmare does not stop there. The Mets could face a rigorous travel itinerary, potentially journeying from Atlanta to Milwaukee, back to Atlanta, and then perhaps venturing to the west coast—all within the span of one week. Such grueling travel would undoubtedly test the teams' endurance and adaptability.
Speculation is rife, but confirmation remains elusive. "Spokespeople for MLB, the Braves, and the Mets all offered no comment on how this point was reached and what is next," echoed the voices of those awaiting official word. For now, the Bobbing and weaving around Hurricane Helene's path continues, as both teams and their fanbases hold their breath, hoping for the best but preparing for any scenario that may unfold.