Rogers Centre roof closed for ALDS opener
Local weather forecast calling for light rain in early evening
TORONTO -- The roof will be closed at Rogers Centre for Game 1 of the American League Division Series between the Blue Jays and Rangers on Thursday afternoon. First pitch is scheduled for 3:37 p.m. ET.
Per Major League Baseball policy, the decision on whether the roof at Rogers Centre is open or closed for postseason games is made by the Commisioner's Office. Commissioner Rob Manfred or his representatives meet with the Blue Jays and crew chief umpire Dale Scott prior to each game to discuss the situation.
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Toronto provides MLB with access to its on-field operations department, and the decision is based on the same criteria the Blue Jays use during the regular season. Thursday's forecast for the Toronto area predicted light rain showers in the early evening. Friday's forecast for Game 2 also calls for cloudy periods with rain showers.
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"No, I think I've only … made one start here when the roof was closed," Blue Jays Game 1 starter David Price said Wednesday 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. [We have] the best offense in all of baseball, so whatever they want is fine with me."
Toronto went 38-14 with the roof open at home this season and 11-14 when it was closed. 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.