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Rays will play DH Tuesday vs. Orioles due to Hurricane Dorian impact, take Wednesday off

Team is being proactive given potential for weather issues on Wednesday, also to facilitate Orioles departure.
 
Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Charlie Morton (50) delivers from the mound during the third inning against the Seattle Mariners at Tropicana Field on Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2019 in St. Petersburg.
Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Charlie Morton (50) delivers from the mound during the third inning against the Seattle Mariners at Tropicana Field on Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2019 in St. Petersburg. [ DIRK SHADD | Tampa Bay Times ]
Published Aug. 31, 2019|Updated Sept. 1, 2019

ST. PETERSBURG — Though Hurricane Dorian is no longer forecast to have a major impact on the Tampa Bay area, the Rays are adjusting their schedule just in case.

The Rays and Orioles are now slated to play a single-admission doubleheader Tuesday starting at 3:10 p.m. and not have a game as scheduled Wednesday. The series starts Monday with a matinee.

The thinking behind changing the schedule was to increase the chance of getting all three games played (and avoid a late-season makeup date), given that the weather still could become an issue later in the week, Rays officials said. And they have the option to play Wednesday if conditions unexpectedly worsen Tuesday.

The changes, made jointly with the teams and Major League Baseball, also could ensure that the Orioles get home for their Thursday game.

Tickets to the Wednesday game can be exchanged at the Tropicana Field box office for any other game this week starting Monday, and including the doubleheader. For refunds, call toll-free 1-888-326-7297.

This will be the third Rays doubleheader in 22 seasons at the Trop. In September 2004 the Tigers left town ahead of Hurricane Frances, then returned a few weeks later and played two. In 2017 the Rays scheduled a doubleheader against the A’s as somewhat of a novelty.

Game 2 on Tuesday will start about 30 minutes after Game 1 ends.