Braves fans are furious at MLB for ridiculous NLDS start times

Want a chance to defend your World Series crown, Atlanta Braves? Good luck. Rob Manfred and MLB never said it was going to be convenient. 

Braves fans who hope to watch Game 1 or Game 2 of the NLDS at Truist Park will have to deal with bizarre start times and a ton of traffic. Oh, and good luck getting off of work to start the week! That’s something normal people can do, right?

Despite having an electric fanbase and being the defending champions, the Braves have been relegated to the afternoon slots for both of their opening matchups:

• Game 1: Tuesday, 1:07 p.m. ET
• Game 2: Wednesday, 4:35 p.m. ET

Yuck, indeed.

Braves face Phillies in NLDS, but fans are in a tough spot

Atlanta is well-positioned to start their ace Max Fried in Game 1, and 20-game winner Kyle Wright in Game 2 should they want. The Phillies, meanwhile, are likely counter with Ranger Suarez in Game 1, Zack Wheeler in Game 2 and Aaron Nola in Game 3. The Wild Card Series puts Philadelphia at a disadvantage in terms of lining up their rotation, whereas Atlanta had time to set up their starting pitchers.

Still, Braves fans have been forced to wait out the Wild Card Series. These people are ready for playoff baseball! So, why the afternoon slot?

Well, that’s simple — MLB and Manfred do not deem them a major market. The likes of New York and Los Angeles are both in this year’s postseason. Fair or not, that’s how the baseball world works.

Manfred might not be the right man for this job after all.