Doubleheader Ahead Due to Hurricane Helene
The Major League Baseball schedule, meticulously designed with a buffer day on Monday, Sept. 30, to give teams a break before the playoffs, has been upended by Mother Nature. Originally a day of rest, Monday will now see the Mets and Braves clashing in a doubleheader at Truist Park, all thanks to the unforeseen intervention of Hurricane Helene.
Weather disruptions had already halted games scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, making this adjustment necessary. Both teams, who had been looking forward to their day off, now find themselves prepping for an exhausting series of games. With the regular season concluding on Sunday, only two days will separate this crucial doubleheader from the start of the playoffs on Tuesday.
The implications for both teams could not be more significant. With only three games left before Monday’s rescheduled bout, the Mets hold a tiebreaker advantage over Arizona, while the Braves are merely one game behind New York in the standings. Every pitch, swing, and inning on Monday will carry immense weight as both teams strive to secure their postseason berths.
While Truist Park remains the venue for this high-stakes doubleheader, alternatives were considered. "Major League Baseball is the boss," was the prevailing sentiment when weighing the rescheduling options. The games could have been shifted to Globe Life Field in Arlington, given that the Texas Rangers are currently on the road. However, the Braves were hesitant about relocating their home games, ultimately leading to the decision to keep them in Atlanta.
Complicating matters further for the Mets is a rigorous travel schedule. After their stint in Atlanta, they could face taxing journeys to Milwaukee and potentially San Diego within a span of just six days. Such a demanding itinerary could strain the team’s stamina precisely when they need it most.
For the Braves, hosting the Kansas City Royals at Truist Park adds another layer of complexity. A scenario looms where both the Mets and Braves could punch their tickets to the postseason, potentially leaving the Diamondbacks on the outside looking in. This possibility adds even more pressure on both teams to perform exceptionally well in Monday’s games.
Adding to this season's drama was the collective bargaining agreement reached just in time for the 2022 season. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred termed it a "defensive lockout," highlighting the fraught negotiations that nearly jeopardized the season. The tumultuous offseason now seems a distant memory as teams focus on the immediate challenges ahead.
As Monday's doubleheader approaches, the stakes are evident. For the Mets and Braves, the playoff destiny hangs in the balance, dictated by every swing of the bat and every pitch thrown. The unexpected wrinkle caused by Hurricane Helene has only heightened the intensity, making it a must-watch event for baseball fans.