The Atlanta Braves have already weathered enough metaphorical storms in 2024. They didn't need a literal one wreaking havoc on their playoff chase.
From Tuesday to Thursday this week, the Braves and New York Mets were scheduled to square off in a grudge match that would heavily influence who made the playoffs in the National League, and who was forced to watch from their couches.
The Braves picked up a 5-1 win over the Mets on Tuesday night, pulling them within a game of the Mets for the final NL Wild Card spot. If they were to win on Wednesday, they would clinch the season tiebreaker over their division rivals. But Wednesday's game likely won't be played.
Hurricane Helene is bearing down on the southeast corner of the United States, and though it won't make landfall until Thursday, tropical storms are already underway. As of Wednesday afternoon, rain and thunder are descending upon Truist Park as the two teams await their fate.
It seems as though Wednesday's game being postponed is inevitable, and Thursday's game even less likely to be played as the hurricane hits. This could mean the Braves and Mets must play a doubleheader to decide a single playoff spot on Monday, the day before those playoffs begin in earnest.
Outrage at Major League Baseball's poor planning has quickly gathered steam. Braves reporter David O'Brien of The Athletic took the league to task on social media, saying the situation could and should have been avoided.
"MLB moves slowly on matters that require fast, decisive action," O'Brien said on X. "Hurricane path known 4-5 days ago. Mets and Braves were off Monday. Having them start series Monday would’ve reduced it to 1 game to make up next Monday. And moving today’s game to noon might’ve enabled whole series."
If the Braves are unable to play their game on Friday against the fellow playoff-hopeful Kansas City Royals, they would then have to play the final five games of their season in three days to determine whether or not they make it to October.
These are the games that matter the most, after six months of slogging through the summer. And no one in the league office stopped to think about whether a hurricane might be worth moving those games around to avoid utter chaos.
At of the time of publication, no cancellations or doubleheaders have been announced. But rest assured, they are coming, and every team they impact will have a tougher path to the playoffs for no good reason.
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