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
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.
Nice job @MLB screw people that have jobs https://t.co/PufZLzc4h4
— Jim Elliott (@jimelliott72) October 9, 2022
Screw the fans of the defending World Series champs with back to back weekday afternoon games. Wyd, @MLB? https://t.co/2A5IqMz5VH
— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) October 9, 2022
You are putting the World Champs on at 1:07? Okay! @braves handle your business and we won’t care! https://t.co/FOuBIsEoWc
— Big John Radcliffe (@JohnRad450) October 9, 2022
It would honestly be pretty funny if a 101-win team gets bounced out because they stink when the sun is out but let's not get negative here https://t.co/nvNpIq5JiY
— local bIogger (@fergoe) October 9, 2022
What the hell is this?! https://t.co/Relm5EhfIf
— Jawn (@The_WalkingJohn) October 9, 2022
This is why nobody cares about your sport manfred https://t.co/GYTN1wRiZ4
— mango (@allknowerofball) October 9, 2022
Lotta day baseball https://t.co/mPenbBrNBz
— John Michaels (@JohnMichaelsU) October 9, 2022
Great way to grow the game https://t.co/5PHRmxIuZc
— mike brady (@mikebrady53) October 9, 2022
Nobody hates baseball more than baseball hates baseball. https://t.co/eCQUvG24Ud
— Devin Connell (@devinconnell2) October 9, 2022
Manfred might not be the right man for this job after all.