Cactus League teams pushing back game times to avoid extreme heat

Phoenix is in the middle of a historic heat wave that has seen temperatures rise to 105 degrees this week, and several Cactus League teams have pushed back start times to adapt.

Here are the announced games that have been pushed back with their new start times as of Friday:

– March 21: Athletics at Dodgers moved to 11:05 a.m. MST at Camelback Ranch-Glendale

– March 21: White Sox at Reds moved to 6:05 p.m. MST at Goodyear Ballpark

– March 21: Cubs at Mariners moved to 6:10 p.m. MST at Peoria Sports Complex

– March 22: Padres at Diamondbacks moved to 6:10 p.m. MST at Peoria Sports Complex

Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said that the idea of moving back game times had been discussed internally, but he did not know whether that would happen or not.

“It’s a very pivotal time in spring training,” Lovullo said.

“We’ve got to be aware of these athletes and hydrating when they’re out there. We might shorten the days or get them on and off the field very quickly. So we’ll see what that looks like.”

The record for the earliest date Phoenix had reached 100 degrees in a year was March 26 before it hit triple-digits for the third straight day Friday, climbing to 105 degrees at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. The city does not typically see triple-digit heat until the start of May.

Most Cactus League games start between 1:05 p.m. and 1:10 p.m. MST with occasional evening games sprinkled throughout the schedule.

The Diamondbacks have four remaining spring training games from Saturday through Tuesday and its Spring Breakout prospect showcase is Saturday at 5 p.m.

“If we’ve got to play a game in 100-degree heat, we’re going to do it. That’s our job,” Lovullo said. 

Related

Diamondbacks option RHP Kade Strowd, who was acquired in Blaze Alexander trade, to Triple-A RenoFrom packed stadiums to backfields, Diamondbacks work back in from World Baseball ClassicWho will be the Diamondbacks' closer? Answer may come during 1st save situationDiamondbacks trade deadline: Latest buzz and potential targetsDiamondbacks in sole possession of 2nd NL Wild Card after comeback win over GuardiansDiamondbacks plan on Michael Soroka making rehab start Tuesday