Allegheny Health Network and Pirates Director of Sports Medicine Dr. Todd Tomczyk said before Thursday’s afternoon game against the San Diego Padres, that no one on the team is at high risk with Canadian wildfire smoke in the Pittsburgh area.
But doesn’t mean the players like it.
Pirates catcher Austin Hedges spoke to 93.7 The Fan’s Jeff Hathhorn in a one-on-one before the game and said, “it’s terrible, it’s just awful, kind of scary to be honest.”
“I don’t really know why we are playing, it seems like everyone kind of uneducated on this subject, which is too bad,” added Hedges.
The Pirates won 7-1, but Hedges other teammates don’t think they should have played last night and this afternoon and that the players and even the fans should’ve been there.
“It’s clear as day when you look at your phone and you check the numbers, like it’s told you don’t go outside and they’re not telling you don’t go outside and they’re not saying that for no reason and we’re not any different than any other humans,” said Hedges.
The Pirates released a statement before Wednesday’s game:
“We have been in contact with Major League Baseball, the Major League Baseball Players Association, our team of expert medical providers at Allegheny Health Network, and city and county officials regarding the current and projected air quality index in our area. We are currently planning to host tonight’s game as scheduled. We will continue to closely monitor the air quality index levels around the ballpark. Fans holding tickets to tonight’s game who wish to exchange them for a future game may do so by calling 1-800-BUY-BUCS (1-800-289-2827) prior to the start of tonight’s game.”
Hedges adds he believes it is a money issue.
“They (MLB) need to get the money in, it’s clear as day and that’s too bad,” said Hedges.
Infielder/outfielder Connor Joe said he’s played in conditions like this before in Colorado and that it was hard to see flyballs on Wednesday night.
Andrew McCutchen walked into the clubhouse with a mask and expressed his displeasure to the Post-Gazette’s Jason Mackey.
It's a Code Red Air Quality day in Pittsburgh. That means kids the elderly and those with breathing conditions should avoid being outside. Everyone is encouraged to limit outdoor activity.