AVANDATIMES.COM – The Arizona Diamondbacks have officially shifted their upcoming matchup against the Milwaukee Brewers to an evening slot, responding to a forecast of record-breaking temperatures in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Originally slated for a 1:10 p.m. first pitch on Friday, March 20, the game will now begin at 6:10 p.m. to mitigate the risks posed by an unseasonable heat wave.
Impact of Extreme Weather on Cactus League Schedule
This adjustment marks the eighth contest to be rescheduled this week as teams grapple with temperatures expected to soar as high as 105 degrees. AvandaTimes observed that the Diamondbacks are the latest in a series of Cactus League teams to adjust schedules as the region faces an unseasonable heat spike, surpassing the previous record for the earliest triple-digit day, which was set on March 26.
Other organizations have taken similar precautions. The Colorado Rockies also announced that their March 19 game against the San Francisco Giants has been moved to a 6:10 p.m. start. Most rescheduled games this week have adopted either a 6:05 p.m. or 6:10 p.m. local start time to ensure player and fan safety.
Managerial Response and Player Welfare
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo addressed the logistical challenges during a media session on Sunday, emphasizing the team’s readiness to adapt to the desert environment.
“We train in a place where there’s the potential for this, so we all know that we gotta deal with it,” Lovullo said. “We’ll find a way to deal with whatever the circumstances are.”
Beyond rescheduling, Lovullo indicated that the coaching staff is considering internal adjustments, such as rotating additional catchers during day games and maintaining a rigorous watch over pitchers’ workloads. Despite the shift, the manager maintained that the team remains prepared for any conditions.
“I think management’s doing a really nice job of maybe trying to get us out of the heat. … But if we have to play day games, we’re gonna do it. We’re gonna go out there and play in the heat like everybody else will,” Lovullo said.
Information for Ticket Holders
Fans planning to attend the matchup at Salt River Fields should note the following logistical updates:
New Start Time: 6:10 p.m. local time.Gate Opening: Stadium gates will now open at 4:30 p.m.Ticket Policy: Existing tickets will automatically update in digital systems; no manual exchange is required for entry.
While the Arizona desert provides a reliable environment for spring training, the current climate conditions have forced a rare departure from the traditional afternoon schedule, highlighting the increasing necessity for flexibility in professional sports scheduling.