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The weather report for playing Friday night's game wasn't looking so good at first, but things have changed. That's according to Orioles manager Buck Showalter, who told reporters in his customary comments several hours before first pitch that he had received a favorable weather report as far as the game being played. It may be damp and it will certainly be chilly, but still, that's better than dealing with the hassle of a rainout or delays.
As of about 5pm, the latest forecast suggested there would be no rain until 11pm.
If the game were to be rained out, Game 1 would be played on Saturday at 4:07, meaning everyone who got tickets thinking they were getting a Friday night game would be coming out on Saturday afternoon, and all the people who made plans for Saturday afternoon's Game 2 tickets would instead have to go on Sunday at 4:07. Chaos! So here's hoping there's no rainout.
If the game ends up being postponed before lineup cards are exchanged, then the Orioles and Royals both will be able to make tweaks to their submitted ALCS rosters, if they so choose.
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Among other things that Showalter told reporters: the Game 2 starter will be either Bud Norris or Wei-Yin Chen. It seems that the outcome of Game 1 will determine which starter he uses. That may not mean win or loss but rather whether a starter is pressed into relief duty due to a rain delay chasing Game 1 starter Chris Tillman from the game. A team doesn't have that luxury in the middle of a regular season game. After four days off because they swept the Tigers in three games, though, it works out.
Another pitcher available out of the bullpen tonight is Miguel Gonzalez, who hasn't pitched in a game since he threw five innings in the regular season finale on September 28. He has thrown in multiple simulated games since he last pitched, and Showalter told reporters he's not concerned about the long layoff for Gonzalez.
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Favorable weather report or not, outdoor batting practice for both teams was cancelled. They'll get in all of their work in the indoor cages.