The New York Mets may not be in a pennant race, but they appear to have played on a Tuesday night without even playing a game.
Miami Marlins officials were furious that their game against the Mets at Citi Field was postponed due to unplayable conditions on the field. The final rain from Tropical Storm Ophelia stopped around 5:00 p.m., but despite efforts by the Mets’ grounds crew to make the field playable, the game was called off just after 8:00 p.m
For the Marlins, who are currently a half-game behind the Cubs and fighting for the third NL wild-card spot, rescheduling the game as a doubleheader on Wednesday could have a significant impact. Left-hander Braxton Garrett, Miami’s top remaining starter, was scheduled to pitch Tuesday night. Instead, he will pitch in the first game on Wednesday, leaving him unable to start in Sunday’s season finale unless he returns with a three-day break.
Marlins officials, who were granted anonymity in exchange for their candor, were told that the playing surface problem at Citi Field arose because Mets grounds crews failed to cover the infield on Saturday, the first of four consecutive rainy days . The team was playing in Philadelphia at the time.
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The ground crew eventually dismantled the tarp, but water seeped underneath and created a mess. The infield absorbed so much water from Saturday through Monday that the ground crew did not have enough dry land to get the infield back to playable condition on Tuesday. Both clubs and the commissioner’s office subsequently decided that the best course of action was postponement, citing player safety and the importance of the game. Mets general manager Billy Eppler did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The Marlins (81-75) are one of the biggest surprises of the season. They have overcome numerous injuries and remained in the bottom five on offense to remain in contention for their first full-season postseason berth since their World Series title in 2003. They will play three games against the Mets over the next two days, then finish their season with three in Pittsburgh.
After Garrett’s start in Wednesday’s opener, the Marlins will use a bullpen game in the nightcap. Currently without two of their best starters, right-handers Sandy Alcantara (right cruciate ligament sprain) and Eury Pérez (left sacroiliac joint inflammation), they are relying on Garrett and fellow lefty Jesús Luzardo to carry them along the stretch. And now Garrett’s availability for the season finale could be in jeopardy.
(Photo: Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)