It seemed like there was a good possibility that Philadelphia Phillie fans would have to wait an extra day to kickstart the 2024 regular season, based on weather reports for Thursday. The good news is that it didn't take Major League Baseball and the Phillies long to make a decision. The bad news is that the club announced Wednesday afternoon that the Opening Day game versus the Atlanta Braves will be postponed until Friday.
In an announcement on social media, the Phillies gave solid, if disappointing, reasoning for the decision.
"Due to the anticipated rain on Thursday, we have elected to move our home opener with the Braves to Friday," said Phillies Executive Vice President David Buck, per the team's release. "This decision was made after consultation with Major League Baseball and various weather services. The open date on Friday gives us the ability to reschedule the game"
Phillies Opening Day presented by Nemours Children’s Health versus the Atlanta Braves has been postponed and rescheduled to Friday, March 29, at 3:05 p.m. All gates will open at 12:35 p.m. pic.twitter.com/I73m6Elvd4
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) March 27, 2024
After fans had been fretting all week, at least we now know to keep our Friday afternoon open. Originally scheduled as a built-in off day for just such an occasion, the Phillies and NL East rival Braves will face off for a 3:05 p.m. ET first pitch on Friday, March 29 — 24 hours later than originally planned.
Per the team's release, all gates will open at 12:35 p.m. ET, and on-field pregame festivities will begin around 2:20 p.m. ET. Tickets and parking for Thursday's game will be valid on Friday.
Friday's forecast looks like a better day for baseball, albeit a little chilly, with a game-time temperature of around 52 degrees but a zero percent chance of rain.
At least we'll still be in for a top-tier matchup when they finally take the field. Phillies ace Zack Wheeler will take the mound opposite Braves ace Spencer Strider as the two division foes renew their rivalry. The Phillies have eliminated the NL East champion Braves each of the last two postseasons in intense NL Division Series battles.
This year, the Phillies believe they have what it takes, with a healthy team to begin the campaign, to topple the Braves' divisional dominance and make it back to the World Series.