The Atlanta Braves and the New York Mets are in the midst of a critical three-game series that began on Tuesday night. The stakes couldn't be higher, with the Mets holding a razor-thin half-game lead for a wild-card spot and the Braves trailing right behind, separated by the same margin. Tuesday night's tension-filled opener saw the Braves clinch a vital victory, setting the stage for a gripping showdown over the next two days.
For the Mets, the path to the postseason is clear: win two of the next three games, and they secure their berth. The Braves, on the other hand, face a more complex scenario where this series alone won't determine their postseason fate. However, the determination and intensity they displayed in the first game suggest that they are not treating this series lightly.
Weather Concerns Loom Large
As if the pressure of pivotal games wasn't enough, both teams must contend with the looming threat of Hurricane Helene. Upgraded to a hurricane in the National Hurricane Center's 11 a.m. Wednesday update, Helene is anticipated to make landfall in Florida on Thursday as a Category 3 storm, bringing "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.
Atlanta itself is set to face heavy rain starting Wednesday afternoon and continuing through Friday, with the potential for thunderstorms and tornadoes further complicating the series. Despite the ominous forecasts, as of 5 p.m. Tuesday, the league had not announced any adjustments to the series schedule. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza commented on the situation, noting, "he had not received any word from MLB."
Options on the Table
The schedule for Thursday’s game stands as a 7:20 p.m. ET start, but MLB is seriously considering moving it to an earlier time slot, such as 1 p.m. ET or 12 p.m. ET, to dodge the worst of the storm. Another potential solution is staging a doubleheader on Wednesday, capitalizing on Monday’s off-day to accommodate the extra game. These options remain the most straightforward and least disruptive for both teams, who are already navigating a grueling schedule.
Past precedents exist for relocating entire MLB series due to severe weather. Noteworthy examples include the 2008 Astros vs. Cubs series, moved to Milwaukee's Miller Park because of Hurricane Ike, and the 2017 Rangers vs. Astros series, relocated to Tampa's Tropicana Field due to Hurricane Harvey. Should the need arise to relocate this series, Globe Life Field in Arlington is a viable alternative venue.
Should Thursday's game be postponed entirely to Monday, it would create an off-day overlap between the end of the regular season and the start of the Wild Card Series. This option, however, would only be considered if the game's outcome proves to be crucial for postseason qualification.
If the game ends up being canceled and not rescheduled, both the Braves and the Mets could find themselves playing a 161-game season instead of the standard 162, a scenario that remains a last resort. Moving the game to a neutral site or rescheduling it post-regular season poses significant logistical challenges, making it a complex decision for MLB officials who are closely monitoring Hurricane Helene's path.
Logistical Challenges
The Braves and the Mets face different scheduling pressures post-series. The Braves benefit from not having to travel immediately after this series, while the Mets confront the potential disruption of an altered schedule, adding another layer of urgency and complexity to the decision-making process.
With their postseason dreams hanging in the balance, both teams will be acutely aware of the dual challenges posed by their on-field opponents and the unpredictable weather. As MLB officials continue to monitor Helene’s trajectory, it is clear that baseball’s autumn drama is about more than just what happens on the diamond.