MLB Alters NL Playoff Scenario Due to Hurricane Helene, Postpones Mets vs. Braves Series
On Wednesday, Major League Baseball declared that the last two matchups of the crucial series between the New York Mets and the Braves in Atlanta would be postponed and rescheduled as a doubleheader for the following Monday, right after the conclusion of the regular season, due to the imminent Hurricane Helene.
This decision dramatically shifts the landscape of the National League playoff race. As of Wednesday, the Mets held a slim one-game lead, with the Arizona Diamondbacks just half a game ahead of the Braves, who were in a tough spot to qualify.
Consequently, the Mets and Braves will now have to play two critical games just one day before the wild-card series is scheduled to start, keeping most of the potential NL playoff teams waiting until after the doubleheader concludes.
The Mets and Braves had already planned for an off day this past Monday before the commencement of their three-game series, and it was anticipated that Hurricane Helene would impact the Atlanta area, making MLB’s postponement announcement all the more frustrating for both teams.
When asked if he was surprised by the delay in MLB’s decision, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza responded to reporters, “My job is to manage the team. We knew about the weather, but it’s hard to predict.”
The storm, which reached hurricane status on Wednesday, is projected to hit Florida on Thursday, leading to hurricane advisories across much of the Southeastern United States.
The Braves will host the Kansas City Royals, who are competing for an AL wild-card position, from Friday to Sunday, while the Mets will play three games in Milwaukee ahead of the new doubleheader on Monday.
Braves manager Brian Snitker expressed hopes that the Royals would make it to Atlanta for their series, stating to reporters, “I would hope we don’t interfere with their series.”
If the Diamondbacks are eliminated from playoff contention by the weekend and only the wild-card placements are at stake for the Mets and Braves, the decision regarding the doubleheader’s status will be up to Commissioner Rob Manfred.
