Updated Oct. 16, 2019 1:27 PM
As the highly competitive American League Championship Series between the Houston Astros and New York Yankees continues in New York City, weather elements in the fourth and fifth games of the series could drastically alter the strategy of each team.
Major League Baseball officials confirmed on Wednesday morning that Game 4 of the series would be postponed due to the rain. Game 4 will now be played on Thursday and Game 5 will be held on Friday in the Big Apple.
“Rain will move in during the morning and early afternoon hours on Wednesday,” AccuWeather Meteorologist Tyler Roys said. "This rain will become steadier and heavier by the late afternoon and continue into the evening hours.”
With the game postponed, the teams will lose an off-day, which could greatly impact each team's pitching rotations. The teams will now have to play the final four games of the series (if Games 6 and 7 are needed) over the span of four consecutive days.
Houston Astros' Carlos Correa celebrates with teammates after his walk-off home run against the New York Yankees during the 11th inning in Game 2 of baseball's American League Championship Series Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Astros manager A.J. Hinch told reporters that he would prepare his team for Game 4 with the assumption that the game would be played as scheduled. Both Hinch and Yankees manager Aaron Boone said their management would be aggressive and neither would preserve any of their pitching arms for the potential rainout.
"I think if weather becomes an issue where the game were to get wiped out Wednesday, that kind of impacts what you do moving forward from there," Boone said on Monday.
"I'm not saving a thing and I'm not assuming rain. If you start doing that in this stadium, the Yankee gods will come and get you and part ways, and it won't rain, and I'd regret it," Hinch said.
Both clubs ranked in the top three all-time in home runs hit this season, with a combined 594 blasts between them. The Yankees already face an uphill battle against the Astros elite pitching staff, featuring nine All-Stars who combined to lead the league in strikeouts.
The extra rest for the teams' pitching staff certainly seems to favor Houston, as all three of their Cy Young-caliber pitchers would be in play to start again, rather than the team needing to go to the back of its rotation.
For the Yankees, the extra day of rest likely makes their ace, Masashiro Tanaka, a strong candidate to start Game 4 after he blanked the star-studded Astros lineup on Monday.
New York Yankees starting pitcher Masahiro Tanaka throws against the Houston Astros during the first inning in Game 1 of baseball's American League Championship Series Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Studies have shown that a wet baseball is much harder to hit for with power, thus lowering home run totals and making for closer, lower-scoring ballgames. In games determined by two or fewer runs this postseason, the Yankees are 0-1 while the Astros are 2-0.
Gusty winds will still be present for both Game 4 and 5, which could play a significant role given the home run-friendly confines of Yankee Stadium.
Right field at Yankee Stadium is historically known for being a home run haven, located just 314 feet from home plate.
For Thursday night, Longley noting that the winds could once again play a big role, as they will be strongest during the first couple innings.
"It will be a windy day on Thursday, but it will be largely dry with a mix of sunshine and clouds," Longley said. "The winds will be out of the west at 20-30 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph at times. The dry conditions will continue into the evening hours, while the wind will slowly diminish. This wind favors balls hit to the right field, routine fly balls will go longer, leading to more home runs. The temperature at first pitch will be in the mid-50s and will be largely in the lower 50s for the game with the AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperature in the mid-40s."
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