MLB smoke updates: Latest news on Cubs-Phillies, other sporting events impacted by Canadian wildfires
As a haze of smoky fog covers parts of the Midwest, various sports leagues are monitoring air quality trends to determine their next course of action.
Another wave of wildfires has swept through parts of Canada, and their fumes are drifting over Chicago, Detroit, St. Louis and other major inland cities.
It is the second time such a situation has occurred this month; Games across the Northeast US have recently been suspended due to poor air quality.
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Sporting News follows the latest news and updates on the many sporting events that may be altered due to declining air quality.
Breaking news, updates on MLB games affected by wildfire smoke
MLB is reportedly monitoring air quality as remnants of Great White North wildfires head into the U.S. Midwest. Games hardest hit include Cubs-Phillies at Wrigley Field, Padres-Pirates at PNC Park and Astros-Cardinals at Busch Stadium.
The league has taken a tough stance on air quality-related cancellations and postponements, canceling a game between the Mariners and Giants after the Air Quality Index (AQI) read 241. MLB followed through on its earlier decision earlier this month, rescheduling upcoming games in Washington, New York and Philadelphia.
Across the sports world, Sunday’s NASCAR race in Chicago (5:30 p.m. ET) could also see changes due to deteriorating air quality.
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Below is an overview of the games that are at risk of being affected by Canadian wildfires.
Phillies at Cubs
Air quality in Chicago hit an unhealthily high AQI on Tuesday, so much so that the Chicago Department of Health recommended Chicagoans limit outdoor exposure.
Despite this, Tuesday’s game between the Phillies and the Cubs was played as scheduled. AQI remains high Wednesday, near 200 in Chicago, so it will be worth watching the air all day to see if Wrigley Field can play the second game of the series.
A dense fog of smoky air hung over the Windy City on Tuesday, limiting visibility while inflicting a pungent odor of smoke on the senses. It’s a scene eerily similar to those that surfaced on the East Coast earlier this month.
Padres at Pirates
The Pirates-Padres game on Wednesday could be the MLB game most at risk of cancellation. Pittsburgh was obscured by a blanket of smoke and haze Wednesday morning, completely erasing the typically beautiful view of the city.
By late morning, Pittsburgh’s AQI had improved to about 200. If this trend of improvement continues, the game will almost certainly be played. However, if this is not the case, it is worth closely monitoring the status in the PNC Park.
Astros at Cardinals
The smoke has drifted as far as St. Louis, where the Cardinals will host the Astros on Wednesday night.
The Cardinals and Astros were able to play their game Tuesday night as scheduled at Busch Stadium. The AQI is around 185 as of Wednesday morning, which MLB played through, allowing the game to start as scheduled as long as conditions don’t worsen during the day.
Guardians vs Royals
Cleveland will be hit as hard as any other city on Wednesday, with an AQI well over 200 by mid-morning, but the Guardians play away to Kansas City. So far, Kansas City has been spared from the smoke.
Brewers at Mets
This also applies to the Brewers taking on the Mets at Citi Field. Your game should run smoothly as New York air quality is firmly in the Good to Fair range.
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Spark at Sky
The WNBA game between the Sparks and Sky appears to start Wednesday afternoon as scheduled. Although the circumstances are different than other sports, with the game being played indoors, the league postponed a game between Liberty and Lynx on June 7 due to poor New York air quality.
NASCAR in Chicago
For the first time, the Cup Series hits the streets of Chicago; The premier NASCAR competition will take over downtown Chicago with the Grant Park 220.
NASCAR has not yet made an announcement as to whether Chicago’s recent air quality crisis will result in changes to this weekend’s events. However, the sheer amount of fuel these racing thoroughbreds are emitting would certainly be a concern as it will almost certainly aggravate any existing air quality problems. For this reason, a growing throng of Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot is urging her to revisit the race, if not cancel it altogether.
MLB games today
| Game | time (ET) |
| Gemini vs Braves | 12:20 p.m |
| Nationals versus Mariners | 4:10 p.m |
| Red at Orioles | 7:05 p.m |
| Padres at Pirates | 7:05 p.m |
| Giants at Blue Jays | 7:07 p.m |
| Marlins at Red Sox | 7:10 p.m |
| Brewers at Mets | 7:10 p.m |
| Astros at Cardinals | 7:45 p.m |
| Tigers at Rangers | 8:05 p.m |
| Phillies at Cubs | 8:05 p.m |
| Guardian at Royals | 8:10 p.m |
| Dodgers in the Rocky Mountains | 8:40 p.m |
| White Sox at Angels | 9:38 p.m |
| Yankees at track and field | 9:40 p.m |
| Shine at Diamondbacks | 9:40 p.m |