Rogers Centre roof open or closed? MLB's call
ALDS Game 1 forecast looks promising, but rain a possibility in Toronto for Game 2
TORONTO -- Per Major League Baseball policy, the decision on whether the roof at Rogers Centre will be open or closed for Games 1 and 2 of the American League Division Series between the Blue Jays and Rangers will be made by the Commissioner's office.
Commissioner Rob Manfred or his representatives will meet with the Blue Jays and crew chief Dale Scott prior to each game to discuss the situation. Toronto will provide MLB with access to its on-field operations department and the decision will be based on the same criteria Toronto uses during the regular season.
:: ALDS: Rangers vs. Blue Jays -- Tune-in info ::
The weather for Game 1 today (3:30 p.m. ET/2:30 CT, FS1/Sportsnet) looks promising, with mainly sunny skies with a high of 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit). Friday's forecast for Game 2 is more questionable, with clouds and rain showers expected for the area. The temperature shouldn't be an issue at 18 degrees Celsius (64 Fahrenheit).
"No, I think I've only -- I think I've only made one start here when the roof was closed," Blue Jays Game 1 starter David Price said when asked if he had a preference about the roof. "It's definitely a little bit more steamy whenever the roof is closed; you don't have that breeze.
"I've kind of heard different things, maybe the ball flies a little bit better with it open, which I get, but I don't have a preference. Whatever our offense wants. The best offense in all of baseball, so whatever they want is fine with me."
Toronto went 38-14 with the roof open and 11-14 when it was closed at home this season. The Blue Jays also went 4-0 in "other" situations, which includes either the roof being open and then closed midway through the game or vice-versa.
Worth noting:
• The Blue Jays will recognize the team's first AL East pennant since 1993 in a pregame ceremony prior to Game 1. Fans are encouraged to get to the ballpark early, as ceremonies will begin at approximately 3:10 p.m. Gates will open at 1:30 p.m. Toronto has yet to announce who will be throwing out the ceremonial first pitch.
• The regular season set a record for Sportsnet as the most-watched Blue Jays season in network history, delivering an average audience of 973,000 viewers (2+). This marked an increase of 68 percent over the 2014 regular-season average audience (580,000), the previous most-watched Blue Jays season on record.