Full Breakdown
Weather-Driven Schedule Shift Threatens Cubs-Red Sox Playoff Prep
By Drooid · · How we work
Weather-Driven Schedule Shift for Cubs-Red Sox Series
Inclement weather from an approaching nor’easter has forced Major League Baseball, the Chicago Cubs and the Boston Red Sox to consider a doubleheader on Friday at Fenway Park and an earlier start for Saturday’s game. The teams discussed moving Saturday’s 7:15 p.m. ET contest to the afternoon and kept open the possibility of a venue change if rain eliminates playable windows. An official decision is expected by Thursday afternoon.
Playoff Stakes and Wild-Card Context
The Cubs entered the weekend tied with the Philadelphia Phillies and San Diego Padres at 87-70, with the top wild-card spot granting home-field advantage in the first round. The Red Sox sit three games ahead of the Chicago White Sox for the American League’s second wild-card position and are likely to face the New York Yankees as the No. 5 seed. Both clubs aim to avoid a make-up game on Monday, which would compress preparation for the upcoming best-of-three Wild Card series.
Official Statements & Responses
Red Sox manager Chad Tracy noted that “the weather doesn’t look good” and that front offices are already in talks with MLB about contingency plans. WSCR-AM host Bruce Levine reported that the clubs have explored a possible venue change with the league. Cubs manager Craig Counsell emphasized the logistical difficulty, saying the shift and that “everybody has their own interests when you do these things.” He added that the timing could leave the Cubs without an extra pitcher for the Friday doubleheader, as roster expansions are no longer permitted in September.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Everybody has their own interests when you do these things,” — Craig Counsell, manager
- “It’s not Friday that’s the issue for us, it’s after Friday,” — Craig Counsell, manager
- “Look, you’ve got to beat your opponents and you’ve got to beat the circumstances sometimes too, and around everything too,” — Craig Counsell, manager
- “This is such a unique circumstance because games get moved back, a game gets rained out and then you play the doubleheader, so then you have a full off day — we’re doing it the other way,” — Craig Counsell, manager
Impact on Pitching Strategy
Because the doubleheader will be played without an additional pitcher, the Cubs must rely on their existing staff. Right-hander Clay Holmes and left-hander David Peterson are projected to start the Friday games, while left-hander Shota Imanaga remains available for later use. The compressed schedule limits the Cubs’ ability to align their rotation for the Wild Card series, potentially giving rival wild-card teams more flexibility to adjust their own pitching plans.