Introduction

As the 2024 MLB regular season reaches its climax, the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets are set to engage in what could be a pivotal series starting Tuesday night. With the Mets currently perched half a game above a wild-card spot and the Braves trailing by 1.5 games, the stakes couldn't be higher. New York needs just two victories out of three matchups to secure a postseason berth, while the Braves are eager to capitalize on what might be their last significant opportunity to close the gap in the standings.

Hurricane Helene's Threat

However, looming over this crucial encounter is Hurricane Helene, a storm that has just been upgraded to a tropical storm and is projected to become a hurricane by Wednesday, making landfall in Florida on Thursday with winds potentially reaching 110 mph. Models indicate even stronger possibilities, raising alarms about its impact on Georgia, where the Braves call home. In response, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has declared a state of emergency to prepare for the potential effects of the hurricane.

MLB's Precautionary Measures

In light of Hurricane Helene, Major League Baseball has already taken precautionary measures with other games. For instance, the league rescheduled the Detroit Tigers vs. Tampa Bay Rays game from a 6:40 p.m. ET start to 1:10 p.m. ET in order to avoid clashes with inclement weather and successfully completed the game, albeit after a short delay.

Possible Solutions for Braves vs. Mets Matchup

As for the Braves vs. Mets matchup, MLB has yet to release any official adjustments, but with the storm's trajectory, it's clear that the series will feel its influence in some form. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza received no updates from the league as of Tuesday afternoon, but several possibilities are being considered to ensure the games go off without a hitch.

Options for Adjustments

Here are some options MLB might explore:

1. Moving Thursday's Game Up

Currently scheduled for 7:20 p.m. ET, MLB could shift the game to an earlier slot, potentially 1 p.m. ET, allowing both teams to complete the game before the storm hits. This would also facilitate the Mets’ travel to their next series in Milwaukee without weather disruptions.

2. Playing a Doubleheader on Wednesday

If the forecasts suggest a risk of canceled games on Thursday, the league might schedule two games on Wednesday. Fortunately, Monday’s off-day eases these adjustments, although pitching strategies would undoubtedly require recalibration.

3. Relocating to a Neutral Site

Should the weather prove too severe, there is a precedent for moving entire series to neutral locations. For instance, previous games have shifted to venues like Miller Park and Tropicana Field due to hurricanes in the past. A potential site could be Texas’ Globe Life Field, which is accessible and has a retractable roof, ensuring no weather disruption during gameplay.

4. Postponing Thursday's Game

As a last resort, MLB could decide to postpone Thursday’s matchup altogether. If the game becomes significant for playoff implications, it could be rescheduled for Monday, the off-day before the Wild Card series kicks off. If it bears no playoff significance, it would result in a shortened season for either team, potentially leaving them with only 161 games played.

Conclusion

As Hurricane Helene approaches, it appears increasingly likely that the Braves and Mets will encounter some disruption. The most seamless solution would involve moving Thursday’s game earlier in the day, followed by the possibility of a doubleheader on Wednesday. However, if worse comes to worst, the league may have to make challenging adjustments to ensure the integrity of the series remains intact. Fans should stay tuned for updates, as every game counts in this nail-biting postseason race!