Cactus League Reschedules Games for Phoenix Heat Wave

A forecasted heat wave in the Phoenix area is prompting Major League Baseball teams in the Cactus League to reschedule several spring training games this week, shifting afternoon starts to cooler evening times to protect players and fans from triple-digit temperatures.

At least 10 games across six stadiums, originally set for afternoon starts from Wednesday through Friday, will now begin just after 6 p.m. local time. Among the adjustments, the Oakland Athletics' home game against the Chicago Cubs on Friday has been moved from 1:10 p.m. to 6:10 p.m., while the Cubs' split-squad matchup against the Cincinnati Reds at Sloan Park shifts to 6:05 p.m. In Goodyear, home to the Reds and Cleveland Guardians, Friday and Saturday games will start at 6:05 p.m. A Saturday contest between the Athletics and Los Angeles Dodgers in Glendale has been advanced to 11 a.m. mountain standard time. These changes come as the Cactus League enters its final weekend, with 15 of MLB's 30 teams wrapping up exhibition play in Arizona.

Meteorologists predict temperatures will reach or exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit by Wednesday, with highs potentially climbing to 106 degrees through Sunday. The National...