Overview
- The Red Sox announced the final three games against the Chicago Cubs will be a split doubleheader with first pitches at 1:05 p.m. and 6:05 p.m. on Friday and a night game on Saturday.
- Team officials cited a forecasted slow-moving nor'easter and said the change was made in consultation with Major League Baseball and the Cubs to maximize the chance that games can be completed as scheduled.
- The Friday doubleheader raises pitching concerns for Boston because two games in one day typically increase bullpen use and may force starters to be limited in innings.
- The schedule change gives Boston an extra day off before the likely Wild Card Series against the New York Yankees while making each game more consequential for the Cubs as they push in a tight National League Wild Card race.
- Tickets for the originally scheduled games remain valid at the new times and the club expects the timing shift to ease weather-related disruption for fans, teams and Fenway Park operations.