The opening game of the weekend series between the Cleveland Guardians and the Pittsburgh Pirates was postponed on Friday night due to concerns over poor air quality. This decision was made as a result of wildfires affecting the region.
The two teams are now scheduled to play a doubleheader on Saturday. The first game is set to begin at 1:10 p.m. EDT, with the second game scheduled for 7:10 p.m. EDT. However, rain is forecast for most of Saturday evening.
Air Quality Concerns Lead to Postponement
The air quality index in Cleveland was at 203 when the teams and umpire crew met at 4:30 p.m. EDT on Friday. This level is considered very unhealthy and hazardous. Earlier in the day, at 3:00 p.m. ET, the Guardians had posted their lineup to social media, but less than two hours later, the postponement was announced. By 5:00 p.m. ET, the air quality in Cleveland was recorded at 209, labeled as “very unhealthy.” Nearby Akron had reached “hazardous” levels near 500 late on Thursday.
Wildfires in Canada have caused adverse air quality conditions across the Midwest and Northeast, impacting several sporting events. For instance, a Major League Soccer game was postponed on Thursday, and an MLB game in Philadelphia was moved up an hour due to similar concerns.
Logistical Changes for Other MLB Games
Several other MLB games in affected areas also saw logistical adjustments. The Chicago White Sox versus Toronto Blue Jays game at Rogers Centre, which has a retractable roof, proceeded with the roof closed. The Blue Jays announced this decision shortly after 1 p.m. ET due to air quality. The team’s policy allows the roof to be opened before the end of the sixth inning if the Umpire Crew Chief and MLB officials agree that weather conditions have improved for fan comfort.
In Milwaukee, where the Miami Marlins were scheduled to play the Brewers, the air quality index was “very unhealthy” at 287 at 1:10 p.m. ET, but improved to 133 by 5 p.m. The Brewers, whose American Family Field also has a retractable roof, stated the game would be played as scheduled. Fans were offered the option to exchange their tickets for another game this season if they preferred not to attend.
The game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees was slated to be played as scheduled, as the air quality in New York improved throughout the day. Similarly, the Minnesota Twins versus Chicago Cubs game at Wrigley was also set to proceed, despite the air quality index being a “very unhealthy” 241 in Chicago in the afternoon, which later lowered to 138.
Impact on the Teams and Upcoming Games
For the first game of Saturday’s doubleheader, Pittsburgh’s Jared Jones (1-1) is expected to pitch against Cleveland’s Gavin Williams (10-4), who were both originally scheduled to start on Friday. The Guardians will call up Logan Allen (0-0) for his second major league appearance of the season to pitch the Saturday nightcap, while the Pirates are still deciding their starter for that game.
This series marks the first after the All-Star break and is considered important for both teams. The Guardians (51-46) were tied for the top spot in the AL Central coming into Friday, while the Pirates (50-47) were two games behind Miami for the final NL wild-card spot. Guardians manager Stephen Vogt commented on the benefit of the unexpected break, noting it provides a reset for the players.
Prior to the postponement, the Guardians received positive news regarding injured third baseman José Ramírez. Ramírez, who underwent surgery on June 16 to remove a broken hamate bone in his left hand, participated in fielding work. His injury occurred on June 13 against Detroit. It was initially estimated that he would miss 5-7 weeks.
Source: foxnews.com