MLB smoke updates: Latest news on Yankees-White Sox, other baseball games today impacted by Canada wildfires
MLB continues to monitor air quality conditions for several games scheduled to take place in the Northeastern United States as wildfires continue to break out in Canada.
The league has not yet postponed or canceled any games scheduled for Wednesday, although local authorities in affected areas have advised people to limit their outdoor activities NWSL moved a planned game in the New York area.
The MLB games most likely to be affected include the Yankees’ White Sox, the Blue Jays’ Astros, the Phillies’ Tigers, and the Nationals’ Diamondbacks.
Baseball fans on Tuesday watched as several games were played in less than ideal conditions as smoke billowed across the east coast from Canada. The last time air quality played such an important role in games was in 2020, with wildfires raging up and down the west coast.
MORE: Yankee Stadium smoke: See how Canadian wildfires made for an eerie scene
The Sporting News follows the latest news and updates on MLB games, particularly those hardest hit by the Canada wildfires:
Breaking news, updates on MLB games affected by the Canada wildfires
MLB is reportedly monitoring the situation in the U.S. Northeast and will determine if games need to be canceled or postponed. As of now, all Wednesday games are expected to go ahead as scheduled.
However, there is precedent in MLB to cancel games when air quality is not conducive to staging a game. The league rescheduled a game between the Mariners and Giants in 2020 due to an air quality index (AQI) of 241. Sports Illustrated’s Stephanie Apstein does not provide an AQI that automatically triggers a game’s postponement:
Below is an overview of the games affected by the wildfires in Canada (this section will be updated):
Yankees White Sox
According to AirNow.gov, New York has an AQI of 235, which is considered “very unhealthy.” However, Tuesday’s game between Chicago and New York went as planned in smoky, hazy conditions, with the visiting White Sox winning 3-2.
MLB is reportedly monitoring the situation and consulting with health and weather experts to determine the next course of action Jon Morosi of the MLB Network. Below are some scenes in New York as MLB decides whether to play the game at Yankee Stadium:
New York Mayor Eric Adams has advised residents to stay indoors.
“This is an unprecedented event in our city and New Yorkers need to take precautions,” Adams said on CBS News. “Right now, we’re advising vulnerable New Yorkers to stay indoors, and all New Yorkers should limit outdoor activities as much as possible. This is not the day to train for a marathon or host an outdoor event with your kids.”
Astros at Blue Jays
Toronto — with a reported AQI of 160 according to IQAir — announced Wednesday that the roof of the Rogers Center will remain closed due to the wildfires in Canada. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:07 p.m. ET.
Tigers in Phillies
AirNow.gov reports that Philadelphia has an “unhealthy” AQI of 184. The Tigers are likely to play in the Phillies, although smoke is still visible at Citizens Bank Park:
Diamondbacks at Nationals
Jesse Dougherty of the Washington Post reports that the Diamondbacks-Nationals game is still scheduled. Washington, DC has an AQI of 182.
MLB games today
| games | time (ET) |
| Athletics at Pirates | 12:35 p.m |
| Mariners at Padres | 4:10 p.m |
| Tigers in Phillies | 6:05 p.m |
| Royals at Marlins | 6:10 p.m |
| Twins at Rays | 6:40 p.m |
| Diamondbacks at Nationals | 7:05 p.m |
| White Sox with the Yankees | 7:05 p.m |
| Astros at Blue Jays | 7:07 p.m |
| Dodgers at the Reds | 7:10 p.m |
| Mets at Braves | 7:10 p.m |
| Orioles at Brewers | 7:40 p.m |
| Cardinals at the Rangers | 8:05 p.m |
| Giants in the Rocky Mountains | 8:40 p.m |
| Boys at Angels | 9:38 p.m |