The opening game of the weekend series between the Chicago White Sox and New York Mets will get underway later than originally scheduled after rain moved into the area Friday evening.
The White Sox announced shortly after 6 p.m. that the first pitch would be delayed by approximately 20 minutes because of what the club described as an “approaching wave of rain.” The game, initially scheduled for an earlier start, was subsequently moved to approximately 7 p.m., giving the grounds crew additional time to deal with the weather conditions and prepare the field.
Although a tarp had not yet been placed over the playing surface when the delay was announced, the organization was already adjusting its plans around the incoming weather. The relatively short delay suggested that officials expected the rain to pass without causing a major disruption to the evening’s schedule.
The delay added an unexpected wrinkle to what was already an entertaining night at Rate Field. Friday was scheduled to be Elvis Night, with the ballpark planning a special pregame celebration. One of the highlights of the festivities was expected to be a group of parachutists landing in the outfield as part of the opening ceremonies. Despite the weather interruption, the event was still expected to take place once conditions allowed.
Luis Robert Jr. Makes Emotional Return to Chicago
Beyond the weather, the matchup carried plenty of significance because it marked the return of former White Sox All-Star outfielder Luis Robert Jr. to Rate Field.
Robert was returning to Chicago for the first time since the White Sox traded him to the Mets in January. The deal sent Robert to New York in exchange for utility player Luisangel Acuña and minor-league pitcher Truman Pauley, making Friday’s contest an early opportunity for fans to see one of the franchise’s former stars in a Mets uniform.
Robert’s return naturally added another layer of intrigue to the series. After spending several seasons as one of Chicago’s most recognizable players, his appearance on the visiting side of the field was likely to attract plenty of attention from White Sox fans.
The trade also gives the matchup an interesting prospect angle. Acuña, now part of Chicago’s organization, was one of the key pieces acquired by the White Sox in the transaction. That means the series could eventually become an informal measuring stick for both sides as the players involved continue developing their careers.
Sean Burke and Sean Manaea Set to Start
Once the weather cleared, the pitching matchup was scheduled to feature Sean Burke for Chicago and Sean Manaea for New York.
Burke was expected to take the mound for the White Sox as the club looked to open the weekend on a strong note, while Manaea was slated to start for the Mets. The delay meant both starting pitchers and their respective teams had to adjust their pregame routines slightly while waiting for the weather to move through.
For the Mets, the game represented another opportunity to continue building momentum during an important stretch of the season. For Chicago, facing New York at home offered a chance to make an impression in a series that already had several compelling storylines.
Ultimately, the rain delay was expected to be a relatively minor inconvenience rather than a major threat to the game. Assuming the weather cooperated, players and fans would not have to wait much longer before the White Sox and Mets finally took the field.
The unusual start, combined with Elvis-themed festivities and Robert’s return to his former home, ensured that Friday night’s matchup would have plenty of attention even before the first pitch was thrown.
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