Well folks, what’s the one thing that NASCAR and baseball has in common? If there’s rain, the show’s stopping. As it turns out, there is currently a rain storm pelting down Bristol Motor Speedway, which means that the start of tonight’s MLB Speedway Classic between the Atlanta Braves and the Cincinnati Reds is currently in a rain delay.
Keep it locked right here, as we’ll be providing updates as soon as they’re provided. Sit tight, y’all.
UPDATE [7:43 p.m. ET]: Here’s Baseball Hall of Famer and world-renowned meteorologist David Ortiz breaking down the weather for us.
UPDATE [7:54 p.m. ET]: Even at a neutral site, the Braves are dedicated to giving us an update that updates will be on the way soon.
UPDATE [7:57 p.m. ET]: Everybody’s headed back to the “clubhouse” that they’ve got set up at the track. Looks like this’ll be a bit of a wait.
UPDATE [8:26 p.m. ET]: The tarp is still on the field and now it’s getting to the point where we may not see Spencer Strider start this one. If that’s the case, then that’s a pretty big ‘uh-oh’ when it comes to Atlanta’s chances of taking home the trophy in this totally prestigious classic.
Alex Anthopoulos told Tom Verducci on the @MLBONFOX broadcast that the Braves may need to start a reliever (rather than Spencer Strider) due to the weather delay.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) August 3, 2025
UPDATE [8:36 p.m. ET]: Annnnnnnnnnnd, it’s official. Braves going with a bullpen game. I would say that’s a bummer but it’s 2025 so I’ve grown used to this.
Braves are going with a bullpen game tonight. Spencer Strider won’t start.
— Gabe Burns (@GabeBurnsAJC) August 3, 2025
UPDATE [8:54 p.m ET]: It’s looking like we’re going to be seeing baseball shortly. The tarp is coming off!
UPDATE [9:08 p.m. ET]: Here we go, folks. First pitch at 9:40. Boogidy, boogidy, boogidy.
UPDATE [9:41 p.m ET]: Tarp’s off, players are on the field. Time for baseball! Join us in the Game Thread!
UPDATE [10:05 p.m. ET]: Welp! The tarp is back on the field! This is a hot (wet) mess!
UPDATE [10:30 p.m. ET]: Annnnnnnnnnnd we’ll see you tomorrow afternoon at 1:00 p.m. ET. Tonight’s game has been postponed and we’ll pick up where we left off to start the game. More information on the way.