This is when MLB will make a postponement decision on Phillies-Mets, based on 2023 AQI history

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This is when MLB will make a postponement decision on Phillies-Mets, based on 2023 AQI history originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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The Philadelphia Phillies have had a decision like this before.

In 2023, they had to postpone a home game at Citizens Bank Park against the Detroit Tigers due to a dangerous Air Quality Index (AQI) caused by Canadian wildfires.

They've got a similar choice ahead on Thursday night.

The Phillies are scheduled to host the New York Mets at 7:10 p.m. ET.

As the day has gone along, the AQI number has gotten a bit worse -- from 171 mid-morning to 184 mid-afternoon.

Both of those are deemed "unhealthy" for all groups, although not in the 200 or above "very unhealthy" category.

History can teach a few things about this based on how the Phillies handled things in the past.

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What was the AQI when Phillies postponed against Tigers in 2023?

The last time this happened, the AQI numbers reached above 200, which is considered "very unhealthy" for all groups.

As of mid-afternoon Thursday, it hadn't gone above 200 in Philadelphia yet, although it had gotten close.

When will Phillies and MLB decide on Mets possible postponement?

All we've got to go by here is what the Phillies did in 2023.

Back then, the call was made at about 4:30 p.m. ET -- but that was for a 6:05 p.m. first pitch.

That would suggest with a 7:10 p.m. first pitch scheduled Thursday, it could be as late as 5:30 p.m. when a call is made. But if the gates open with no cancellation announcement, it seems likely that they'll try to play.

For what it's worth, the Mets are apparently proceeding as if it's business as usual:

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