The highly anticipated series between the Atlanta Braves and the New York Mets is set to begin amidst the looming threat of Hurricane Helene. With both teams vying for a spot in the postseason, the stakes are high as they face off in what could be the most crucial series of the 2024 MLB regular season.
As the Mets currently hold a half-game lead for a wild-card spot, the Braves trail behind by 1 1/2 games. New York has the opportunity to secure a postseason berth with two wins out of the three games in this series. On the other hand, the Braves are looking to gain ground and keep their playoff hopes alive.
However, Hurricane Helene poses a potential challenge to the series. The storm, upgraded to a tropical storm on Tuesday, is expected to strengthen into a hurricane by Wednesday and make landfall in Florida on Thursday. Projections from the National Hurricane Center indicate that Hurricane Helene could reach Category 2 status with winds of up to 110 mph, with some models suggesting even stronger intensification.
With the projected path of Hurricane Helene potentially impacting Georgia later in the week, Governor Brian Kemp has declared a state of emergency in the state. This development raises concerns about the potential impact on the Braves vs. Mets series scheduled to take place in Atlanta.
The MLB has already taken proactive measures in response to the approaching storm. Tuesday’s game between the Detroit Tigers and the Tampa Bay Rays was rescheduled from 6:40 p.m. ET to 1:10 p.m. ET to avoid a separate storm system, allowing the game to be completed safely after a brief rain delay.
While the league has not yet announced any adjustments to the Braves vs. Mets series in light of Hurricane Helene, it is likely that the series will be affected in some way. According to CBS Sports, MLB is expected to collaborate with both teams and independent weather sources before making any decisions regarding the scheduling of the games.
As of Tuesday evening, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza confirmed that he had not received any updates from the league regarding potential changes to the series schedule. In anticipation of the storm’s impact, several options are being considered to ensure the safety and integrity of the games.
Potential Solutions for the Impending Storm
1. **Move Thursday’s Game Up**: One possible solution is to reschedule Thursday’s game to an earlier time, such as 1 p.m. ET or even 12 p.m. ET, to avoid the storm’s arrival. By adjusting the start time, the MLB can ensure that the game is played before the weather conditions deteriorate, allowing the Mets to travel to their next series in Milwaukee without any disruptions.
2. **Play a Doubleheader Wednesday**: In the event that the forecast indicates that playing a full nine-inning game on Thursday may not be feasible, another option is to have the Braves and Mets play a doubleheader on Wednesday. While this would require both teams to adjust their pitching rotations, the recent off-day on Monday provides some flexibility in rearranging the schedule. Playing two games on Wednesday could be the safest way to complete the series in Atlanta.
3. **Move the Game to a Neutral Site**: In cases where the weather forecast presents significant concerns, MLB has the option to relocate games to a neutral site. Past instances, such as the Chicago Cubs at Houston Astros series in Miller Park (Milwaukee) in 2008 due to Hurricane Ike, demonstrate the league’s willingness to prioritize player safety and game integrity. While playing at a neutral site is not ideal, it may be necessary if Hurricane Helene forces a relocation of Thursday’s game.
4. **Postpone Thursday’s Game**: The least favorable option is to postpone Thursday’s game and reschedule it for the following Monday if needed. This decision would only be made if the game holds significance in determining the postseason race. If the game has no bearing on the standings, it may not be rescheduled, resulting in a shortened 161-game season for both teams.
As the storm projections continue to raise concerns about the impact on Thursday’s Braves vs. Mets game, MLB will have to carefully consider the best course of action. While moving the game up and playing a doubleheader are straightforward solutions, relocating to a neutral site or postponing the game present more complex challenges that may require careful planning and coordination.
In the face of unpredictable weather conditions, the safety of players and fans remains a top priority for the league. By evaluating the available options and adapting to the evolving situation, MLB aims to ensure the successful completion of the Braves vs. Mets series while mitigating the potential impact of Hurricane Helene.
