Wildfires burning in Canada have sent smoke billowing across the northern United States, creating hazardous air quality conditions that have forced logistical adjustments for several Major League Baseball games on Friday. The Cleveland Guardians announced the postponement of their game due to the smoke, while other teams have opted to close their retractable roofs.
The widespread smoke has prompted air quality alerts across 15 states, affecting over 100 million Americans with concerns about fine particulate matter. Health experts warn of both short-term and long-term risks associated with inhaling this smoke, including the exacerbation of respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.
Game Day Adjustments
In Cleveland, the Guardians game against the Pittsburgh Pirates was postponed and rescheduled as a day-night doubleheader for Saturday due to air quality levels being deemed "very unhealthy" at 209 on the air quality index. Fans unable to attend the makeup games will have the option to exchange their tickets for a future game.
The Toronto Blue Jays, whose home country is the origin of many of the current wildfires, announced their game against the Chicago White Sox would be played with the retractable roof at Rogers Centre closed. While Toronto experienced hazardous levels on Thursday, the air quality improved to a "low health risk" by Friday afternoon, though nearby Ontario cities still faced high-risk levels.
Similarly, the Milwaukee Brewers announced their game against the Miami Marlins would proceed with their retractable roof closed. The air quality in Milwaukee was "very unhealthy" at an index of 287 earlier in the day, but improved to 133 by the late afternoon. Fans attending the Brewers game were offered the option to exchange their tickets for another game.
In New York, the game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees was initially slated to proceed. While the city had experienced hazardous air quality earlier in the week, conditions improved, allowing the game to be played. The Yankees had previously postponed a game in 2023 due to poor air quality.
The Minnesota Twins' game against the Chicago Cubs in the Windy City will also be played as scheduled. Although the air quality index in Chicago was "very unhealthy" at 241 in the afternoon, it later decreased to 138. The game is a rare Friday night contest at Wrigley Field.