Forecasted temperatures exceeding 105 degrees in the Phoenix area over the next week are forcing Cactus League teams to adjust spring training game times, with the Athletics among those moving contests to evening hours.
The National Weather Service meteorologist Katherine Berislavich told the Associated Press there is roughly a 70% chance the temperature will top 105 on Thursday and 85% on Friday. The average temperature for this time of year in the Cactus League, which has about 10 days remaining, is the high 80s.
Fifteen of MLB’s 30 teams train in the Phoenix area, including the Athletics, who play at Mesa’s Hohokam Park. The Athletics host the Chicago Cubs on Friday, when the forecast calls for 106 degrees, and have pushed that game from 1:10 p.m. to 6:10 p.m. The Cubs, playing a split-squad game, also moved their Friday home game against the Cincinnati Reds to 6:05 p.m.
In Goodyear, the Reds and Cleveland Guardians have shifted Friday and Saturday games to 6:05 p.m. starts. Some ballparks, such as Peoria where the San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners train, have relaxed their outside beverage policy to allow sealed sports drinks.
Not all teams are changing schedules. The Arizona Diamondbacks said they do not anticipate altering game times despite five afternoon home games in the next seven days at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale. “Fans purchased spring packages knowing what the announced times are and several plan trips around our schedules,” Diamondbacks president and CEO Derrick Hall told the Arizona Republic. “Additionally, we have businesses that reserved the party decks and suites specifically for day outings.” Hall added that fans can find shade on the concourses and the team is providing hundreds of gallons of water and free sunscreen stations.
Even if temperatures don’t reach 105, triple digits are likely. The previous record for the earliest 100-degree day in Phoenix was March 26, 1988, which remains the only March day to hit 100.
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo acknowledged the challenge for players. “We know it’s going to be smoking hot next week, but we’ve got to get work done,” Lovullo said. “There’s nothing that you can do sometimes to replace going out and actually doing it. We’ll find a way to get it done and make sure these athletes are healthy, strong, hydrated and ready for the next day. But we may make some adjustments.”
The Athletics, who plan to move to a domed stadium on the Las Vegas Strip in 2028, have a 20-year lease with Mesa through 2033 with two five-year extension options, ensuring their continued presence in the Cactus League.
