As the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets kicked off a critical three-game series on Tuesday night, both teams found themselves in a tight race for postseason contention. The Mets currently cling to a narrow half-game lead on a wild-card spot, with the Braves nipping at their heels, trailing by just half a game. In a crucial start to the series, the Braves emerged victorious in the opener, adding to the pressure on the Mets.
For the Mets, the path to clinching a postseason berth is clear: winning two out of the next three games will solidify their position. Unfortunately for the Braves, this series alone won't be enough to guarantee their playoff spot, but each victory is nonetheless pivotal in their pursuit.
Hurricane Helene Threatens Series
The series is facing an unexpected hurdle as Hurricane Helene, which was upgraded in the National Hurricane Center's 11 a.m. Wednesday update, poses a significant threat. The storm is forecasted to make landfall in Florida on Thursday as a Category 3 hurricane, bringing a warning of "life-threatening storm surge, damaging winds, and flooding rains to a large portion of Florida and the southeastern United States," according to the National Hurricane Center.
In anticipation of Helene's impact, heavy rain is expected in Atlanta starting at 1 p.m. Wednesday and continuing through Friday. Additionally, thunderstorms and tornadoes are possible, compounding the challenges in completing the series as scheduled.
Despite the looming threat, by 5 p.m. Tuesday, MLB had not announced any changes to the series schedule. Thursday's game remains slated for a 7:20 p.m. ET start, though adjustments are on the table. Moving the game to earlier in the day—potentially to a 1 p.m. ET or 12 p.m. ET slot—could help dodge the worst of the storm. One straightforward alternative is scheduling a doubleheader on Wednesday, capitalizing on Monday's off-day.
Considering All Options
MLB has a history of relocating entire series in response to severe weather. For instance, the 2008 Astros vs. Cubs series was moved to Milwaukee's Miller Park due to Hurricane Ike, and the 2017 Rangers vs. Astros series was relocated to Tampa's Tropicana Field following Hurricane Harvey.
Should relocation be necessary for the Braves and Mets, Globe Life Field in Arlington stands out as a potential alternate site. However, moving an entire series is complex and typically reserved as a last resort. If Thursday's game is postponed, it might be rescheduled for Monday, an off-day between the end of the regular season and the start of the Wild Card Series. This contingency would only be considered if the game holds significant weight in determining postseason qualification. In a less severe scenario, both teams could play a 161-game season instead of the usual 162 if the game isn't rescheduled.
Impact on Team Schedules
The Braves have the advantage of not needing to travel immediately after this series, providing some flexibility. However, the Mets could face a potentially disruptive schedule depending on how the series unfolds amid storm delays.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza, as of 5 p.m. Tuesday, noted he had not received any update from MLB regarding potential schedule changes. The decision to either move the game to a neutral location, reschedule it post-regular season, or adjust the timings remains under close watch as MLB officials track Hurricane Helene’s path.
The simplest and most efficient solutions currently under consideration involve either rescheduling Thursday’s game to an earlier start time or organizing a doubleheader on Wednesday. With the Braves and Mets in a tight race for postseason spots, these adjustments will ensure fair competition while prioritizing safety in the face of impending severe weather. MLB's handling of the situation will be closely monitored by fans and players alike as they await final decisions.