World Series: MLB reschedules Astros-Phillies Game 3 to Tuesday

The MLB has rescheduled the World Series Game 3 between the Houston Astros and the Philadelphia Phillies to Tuesday. The move was taken due to prolonged rain at Philadelphia’s Citizens Bank Park on Monday.

Philadelphia manager Rob Thomson said he did not mind the rescheduling, saying players “would rather play in dry conditions.” Similarly, Houston manager Dusty Baker said it was “part of the game.”

Analysts claimed the rescheduling benefitted the Phillies, who only had a “handful” of strong pitchers. Ranger Suárez was a relief pitcher in Game 1 and will start on Tuesday. Aaron Nola, the starting pitcher for Game 1, is likely to pitch for Game 4.

The original starter for Game 3, Noah Syndergaard, is predicted to start for Game 5. This new arrangement enables Zack Wheeler to start for Game 6 while allowing either Suárez or Nola for a Game 7.

The current key players in the Phillies’ bullpen are José Alvarado, Seranthony Domínguez, Zach Eflin and David Robertson. Pundits insisted that the team’s new pitching arrangement enabled it to rely on skilled players like Suárez and Wheeler, who will get extra rest.

On the other hand, Houston said the team would not heavily rotate its current pitching composition. Lance McCullers Jr. will still start for Game 3, and Cristian Javier might do for Game 4. Justin Verlander and Framber Valdez will start for Game 5 and Game 6, respectively, on extra rest. If the series extends to Game 7, the Astros will likely start with McCullers.

Baker expressed relief at being able to practice on the opponent’s turf before the next game.

“I’m glad we took some batting practice and played some balls off the wall,” Baker said. “That’s their real home-field advantage.”

Following Game 3’s postponement, the MLB also rescheduled Game 6 and Game 7 to Saturday and Sunday, respectively. League commissioner Rob Manfred said they aimed to air the World Series during prime time in the hope of a big audience turnout.