Phillies postpone Thursday’s home opener vs. the Reds to Friday
The Phillies took advantage of their open date on Friday with rain in the forecast during the game window.
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NEW YORK — In anticipation of rain, the Phillies announced on Wednesday that they have rescheduled their home opener on Thursday against the Cincinnati Reds. The game has been moved to Friday at 3:05 p.m. Gates will open at 12:35 p.m.
“After consultation with Major League Baseball and the uncertain forecast tomorrow between 3 and 7 p.m., we have elected to move our home opener with the Reds to Friday,” said Phillies executive vice president David Buck. “With the open date, we have the ability to reschedule the game for our fans.”
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The 2022 National League champions pennant will be given away to all fans on Friday, and the Phillies will hold a ceremony on the field. Tickets and parking bought in advance of the game on Thursday will be valid for admission on the home opener on Friday. Pregame festivities will begin at 2:15 p.m., according to the Phillies.
The Phillies return home with losses in five of their first six games. It’s the first time they have opened a season 1-5 since 2007. They wrapped up their three-game series against the Yankees with a 4-2 loss on Wednesday.
Howard Smith, the Phillies vice president for business affairs, said the team has been watching the weather anxiously for the last three days.
“Today is a super bummer,” he said. “Opening day, people have been waiting months for this,” adding that traditionally some fans like to come to the park early and make a day of it.
“We hoped we were going to get some great news from the forecasters,” he said, but “at the end they couldn’t give us a clear enough window.” The weather service had the precipitation likelihood in the 80% to 85% range from 2 p.m. through 7 p.m., then dropping off.
“It would not be the right move to try to sneak in the game tomorrow when we know we have good weather on Friday,” Smith said.
Staff writer Anthony R. Wood contributed to this article.
After winning the pennant and getting all the way to Game 6 of the Series last year, the Phillies are back to finish the deal. The home opener of the 141st season in franchise history is set for Friday at Citizens Bank Park — and The Inquirer will have it covered. Join Phillies/MLB reporter Scott Lauber and staff writer Matt Breen as they host Gameday Central starting at 1:30 p.m. at inquirer.com/philliesgameday.