The Tampa Bay Rays and the Cleveland Guardians play ALCS Game 3 on Thursday afternoon after Major League Baseball moves the start time up to 1 p.m. ET. The league adjusts the schedule to help keep the series on track amid an expected shift in weather later in the evening.
Multiple outlets report that rain is forecast for Thursday night, prompting MLB to be proactive. In addition, the series is tied 1-1 after the Rays win 3-1 on Tuesday night, leveling the best-of series heading into the adjusted Game 3.
While the reports focus on the practical timing change, they share the same basic reasoning: forecasted inclement weather threatens later play, so MLB brings the game forward to reduce the risk of disruption.
