Full Breakdown
Rain Delays Mets-Cubs Series Opener, Sets Up Split Doubleheader
6/23/2026, 1:08:37 PM
Postponement Details
The June 22, 2026, 7:10 p.m. game at Citi Field was postponed after thunderstorms moved into the area. The Mets announced a split doubleheader on Wednesday, June 24, to make up the contest. (4, 8)
Team Performance Context
The Mets sit nine games under .500, have struggled despite a $300 million roster, and are coping with injuries to Juan Soto, Francisco Lindor and closer Clay Holmes. The Cubs, 40-37, remain above .500 but carry a losing road record and have won six of their last ten. (1, 2, 5, 8)
Pitching Matchup Spotlight
Chicago will start left-hander Shota Imanaga (4-6, 4.26 ERA, 1.06 WHIP) who recently limited the Rockies to one earned run over 10.2 innings. New York counters with right-hander Kodai Senga (0-5, 9.00 ERA, 1.88 WHIP), who has allowed four runs in the first inning of his last two outings. (4, 5, 6)
Statistical Snapshot
- Mets: nine games below .500, team ERA better than Cubs but lacking elite starters.
- Cubs: 40-37, seven games behind NL Central leader, third NL wild-card spot.
- Imanaga: 84 K in 86 2/3 IP, 93 ERA+ (FIP 4.58).
- Senga: 28 K in 24 IP, 46 ERA+ (FIP 6.81). (2, 3, 5, 6)
Official Statements & Responses
The Mets organization confirmed the rain postponement and the split-doubleheader schedule, specifying a 12:10 p.m. Central first pitch for the June 24 makeup. No further comment was offered. (8)
Criticism & Opposition
Commentators label the Mets “an unmitigated disaster,” citing a flawed roster, the departure of Pete Alonso and shallow depth after key injuries. The Cubs are criticized for road-game inconsistency and a thin pitching staff. (1, 2, 3)
On-the-Ground Reports
Rain forced an impromptu off-day at Citi Field, adding to a congested schedule for Chicago, which now faces ten games in nine days—including four against the Mets, three versus the Brewers and three at home versus the Padres. (8)
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
NBC Chicago lists a 12:10 p.m. first pitch for the makeup game, while another source notes the series resumes Tuesday night at 6:10 p.m., creating a timing discrepancy. Imanaga’s WHIP is reported as 1.06, 1.062 and 1.06 across sources, reflecting minor statistical variation. (4, 8, 2, 6)
Verbatim Quotes
- “The 2026 Mets are an unmitigated disaster.” — BleedCubbieBlue author
- “CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP I do think the Cubs are the better team in this game, but they are on the road, where they've struggled.” — Fox News contributor
- “For the second consecutive day, the Chicago Cubs are victims of Mother Nature as their contest vs.” — NBC Chicago report
- “His ERA might even be fine if he didn't have three straight games where he allowed five or more earned runs.” — Fox News analyst
What's Next
The first game of the June 24 doubleheader will tip-off at 12:10 p.m. Central, followed by an evening contest. Afterward, the Mets continue a ten-day stretch without an off-day, while the Cubs will finish their road trip before returning to Wrigley Field for a three-game series with the San Diego Padres. (8)
