Philadelphia Phillies: Series vs. Florida Marlins Threatened by Hurricane Irene

Update: The Phillies have moved Sunday’s game against Florida to Saturday. The Phillies and Marlins will attempt yo squeeze in a double header before the storm moves through.

The Phillies have an off day on Thursday before hosting the Florida Marlins for a weekend series.

Hurricane Irene, a Category 3 storm, is also heading up the east coast and is going to be in the Philadelphia area this weekend.

The weather could put at least one game on the schedule at risk of postponement. Sunday’s series finale against the Marlins has the most ominous weather forecast, with an 80 percent chance of rain, according to the five-day forecast from The Weather Channel.

And when it does rain, it will be heavy.

Do not be surprised if that series finale is postponed and scheduled for a makeup for the last remaining off day on the schedule, September 15. The Marlins also have that day scheduled for an off day.

But what happens if two games are affected by Irene this weekend?

There is only a 30 percent chance of rain for Saturday, but the storm is expected to come in to the area that night. With a night game on the schedule, who knows what could happen with the game. The game could be scheduled for an earlier first pitch if approved by Major League Baseball, but the Phillies may have to give up the television rights due to MLB‘s contract with Fox for national game coverage.

Depending on the storm’s outlook, though, it may be the only option, because Florida does not make another trip to Philadelphia this season and the idea of a mixed doubleheader on September 22 (Marlins have off, Phillies host the Nationals that night) is not the most ideal.

What could happen is the game could also be moved to September 15 as part of a potential makeup doubleheader. With that day supposed to be the Phillies’ final off day of the season, there might be some objection from the players association and from the Phillies with the postseason looming.

Or, the Phillies could play a larger number of reserve players with expanded rosters, allowing everyday players to rest.

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