Overview
- The Red Sox announced on Friday, Sept. 25 that Game 2 of the doubleheader at Fenway Park was moved from 6:05 p.m. to 5:35 p.m. and that gates for the nightcap will open at 4:35 p.m.
- Major League Baseball scheduled a split doubleheader for Friday to avoid postponements from an expected nor'easter on the East Coast and to keep the regular-season schedule intact.
- Chicago is set to start Clay Holmes in the 1:05 p.m. opener against Boston left-hander Alec Gamboa, while the nightcap pairs Cubs lefty David Peterson with Red Sox right-hander Brayan Bello.
- Both clubs have clinched playoff berths, but seeding remains unsettled with Boston close to the No. 5 American League wild-card spot and Chicago still jockeying for NL wild-card positioning, which shapes how managers use starters and bullpens.
- Fans face short-notice gate and timing changes that could affect travel and plans, and contingency measures reported by USA TODAY include the possibility of moving the final game to Tropicana Field if weather prevents play in Boston.