Air quality concerns in Chicago could impact Phillies-Cubs game

For now, the Phillies-Cubs game scheduled for Tuesday night at Wrigley Field is on, but things can change between now at 8:00 p.m. EST.

Chicago is dealing with similar air quality concerns we experienced here just a few weeks ago. Smoke from the Canadian wildfires postponed multiple MLB games on the east coast three weeks ago, including the Phillies-Tigers series finale on June 7. Three weeks later, the fog is hitting the midwest and yet another Phillies game could be impacted.

Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune noted that the game is on as of this afternoon, but the league and players union will have the final say on a postponement.

Tonight’s game still on. Only Commissioners Office and Players Union can decide to postpone due to air quality issues, as they did last month for Yankees and Phils. pic.twitter.com/UPWtNOY5bp

— Paul Sullivan (@PWSullivan) June 27, 2023

Chicago’s air quality is currently the worst among all major metropolitans worldwide, but the good news is that it is expected to gradually improve Wednesday and Thursday, according to AirNow.

It’s possible the league and players union could decide to postpone Tuesday’s game and play a doubleheader either Wednesday or Thursday.

Ranger Suárez is scheduled to take the mound Tuesday for Philadelphia. He’ll be opposed by right-hander Jameson Taillon.

A postponement could be good news for the Cubs, who are coming off the London series over the weekend and still may be dealing with jet lag.

Update 6:14 p.m. EST:

Air quality here in Chicago has worsened. There’s another meeting coming up between MLB and the MLBPA. So far, the game is still on.

— Scott Lauber (@ScottLauber) June 27, 2023

We’ll have more on this story as more details become available.

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