Key facts
- The Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Guardians game scheduled for Sunday was postponed due to inclement weather.
- Travis Kelce's planned first pitch was delayed as a result of the postponement.
- Kelce recently purchased a minority stake in the Guardians.
- The postponed game is rescheduled as a day-night doubleheader for September 4.
- Pitching rotations for both teams were adjusted due to the postponement.
Mother Nature intervened before the scheduled first pitch for Sunday's game between the Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Guardians, forcing a postponement due to the threat of inclement weather. The game, originally set to begin at 4:10 p.m. EDT, was called off approximately 40 minutes prior to its start time.
The rescheduled game is planned to be played as part of a day-night doubleheader on September 4, with the first game commencing at 2:10 p.m. EDT and the second at 7:10 p.m. EDT.
Although the weather was sunny when teams and umpires met, radar indicated a significant rain and thunderstorm cell approaching from the west, expected to last for at least five hours.
This postponement directly impacted Travis Kelce, who was slated to throw out the first pitch. His ceremonial toss was planned following his recent acquisition of a minority stake in the Guardians, as announced on May 27. Kelce, a native of Cleveland and a prominent figure in the NFL, purchased a small portion of David Blitzer's 35% ownership share. Blitzer holds the option to become the controlling owner after the 2027 season.
Kelce's previous attempt at a first pitch during Cleveland's 2023 home opener against Seattle resulted in a throw that spiked near the plate and rolled to the backstop.
Adjustments were also made to the pitching rotations for both teams. Detroit's Casey Mize, initially scheduled to return from the injured list, will now pitch on Wednesday in Houston. Troy Milton is still set to start for the Tigers on Monday against the Astros. The Guardians will have Slade Cecconi pitch on Tuesday in Milwaukee, with Gavin Williams scheduled for Wednesday, having been originally slated for Sunday's postponed game.