With the Great Rainout Debacle causing potential collateral damage to the Milwaukee Brewers and San Diego Padres, it’s clear that fairness is at stake for these deserving teams. The New York Mets and Atlanta Braves may have to engage in a grueling doubleheader on Monday, which could affect their performance in the wild-card series, forcing them to play eight games in just seven days.
Rain soaked Truist Park on Wednesday and forced the postponement of the final two games of the Mets-Braves series. (Kevin D. Liles / Atlanta Braves / Getty Images)
However, if the commissioner decides to cancel the doubleheader and only use it for seeding purposes, the Mets and Braves would play fewer games than the other clubs. This could impact the Brewers and Padres, who are on the brink of earning home field advantage in the wild-card round.
Seeding is vital, as it determines travel arrangements and home-field advantage in future rounds. The proximity of Atlanta to Milwaukee compared to San Diego could make a significant difference in the outcome of games. Additionally, history has shown that seeding can play a crucial role in determining the winner of a series.
It’s essential for the commissioner to consider the implications and aim for a fair outcome for all teams involved. The Mets and Braves playing fewer games may seem like a minor issue, but it could have a significant impact on pitching and player fatigue.
While some may argue that the teams could have done better to avoid this situation, it’s crucial to acknowledge the efforts of the Brewers and Padres in securing home-field advantage. Any changes to the schedule could potentially affect the balance of the competition.
As the situation unfolds, it’s clear that the decision-making process will need to be fair and considerate of all teams’ circumstances. The Mets, Braves, Brewers, Padres, and Diamondbacks are all facing unique challenges in the final stretch of the season.
— This article was contributed by The Athletic’s Jayson Stark
(Top photo of Pete Alonso, left, and Matt Olson: David J. Griffin / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
