The Chicago Cubs’ series opener against the New York Mets scheduled for Monday at Citi Field was postponed due to heavy rain and thunderstorms. The game will be rescheduled as part of a split doubleheader on Wednesday, with first pitch times set for 12:10 p.m. and 6:10 p.m. Central Time, according to the Cubs.

Steady rain throughout Monday, combined with a forecast predicting additional thunderstorms later in the day and continuing into Tuesday, made playing conditions unsafe. The Cubs had hoped to avoid a doubleheader this week, especially following Sunday’s rainout at home against the Toronto Blue Jays. Manager Craig Counsell highlighted the challenges that doubleheaders pose, particularly in managing pitching staff, noting that the postponement forced the scheduling of two games in one day.

For the Cubs, pitcher Shota Imanaga, originally slated to start Monday’s opener, will now pitch in one of the two Wednesday games, with Javier Assad taking the mound in the other—though the order has yet to be determined. Edward Cabrera will start on Tuesday, maintaining his original schedule against the Mets. On the lineup front, Seiya Suzuki was positioned as designated hitter Monday after being sidelined by knee soreness since June 13. Cubs management opted to keep him out of right field for now, placing Matt Shaw in that spot instead. Counsell suggested Suzuki’s return to the outfield has been slower than anticipated in terms of confidence running and sliding.

For the Mets, the delay interrupted preparations for right-hander Kodai Senga, who was scheduled to make his second start since returning to the majors. Senga has struggled this season, allowing 24 runs over 24 innings with an earned run average of 9.00. The Mets, under manager Carlos Mendoza, hold a 34-43 record and are currently last in the National League East, effectively out of postseason contention as trade deadline sellers.

Amid the team’s struggles, there was a positive development on Monday as the Mets provided an update on star shortstop Francisco Lindor. Lindor, sidelined since April 22 due to a calf injury, is scheduled for another rehab game Tuesday and could be activated soon. Despite the injury absence, Lindor has posted a modest .226 batting average with two home runs and five RBIs in 24 games this season. The Mets are hopeful that Lindor’s return could provide a boost both offensively and in leadership as the team navigates a difficult campaign.

The Cubs and Mets will now face the unusual challenge of playing a doubleheader on Wednesday at Citi Field, concluding the rescheduled opener and continuing regular-season play amid ongoing weather disruptions.