A rainout that postponed Game 4 of the National League Division Series matchup between the Chicago Cubs and Washington Nationals, coupled with the series going to a Game 5, meant the teams played on back-to-back nights without a day exclusively used for travel.
Regardless of who was to advance to the NL Championship Series, the team faced a difficult set of circumstances. First pitch at Nationals Park was not until 8:08 p.m. ET, and the game did not go final until well past midnight.
The Cubs overcame a deficit and held off multiple Nationals’ rallies to reach the NLCS. There was the champagne celebration in the clubhouse and required media duties, followed by an overnight flight to Los Angeles.
Complicating the Cubs’ travel was a health-related issue with a family member required the team flight to be diverted to Albuquerque, N.M., and led to a delay, the Spiegel and Parkins show reported:
Last night, the Cubs flight to LA was diverted due to a non-player health issue. A family member of someone on the plane had an issue. 1/2
— Spiegel & Parkins (@Spiegel_Parkins) October 13, 2017
We can confirm the #Cubs are still on the plane on the groud in Albuquerque after flight diverted last night. On ground since 6:28am CT.
— Spiegel & Parkins (@Spiegel_Parkins) October 13, 2017
Additional details were later provided by Danny Parkins, who reported the situation that forced the team to land was not considered serious and the hours spent grounded were due to the need for a new pilot:
Hearing the situation is not dire with the family member though so that's obviously good news.
— Danny Parkins (@DannyParkins) October 13, 2017
#Cubs pilot ran out of hours and the team is waiting for a new one which is why they've been delayed so long.
— Danny Parkins (@DannyParkins) October 13, 2017
The Cubs are expected to land in Los Angeles around noon Pacific Time. Manager Joe Maddon is scheduled to address the media at Dodger Stadium at 4 p.m. PT, followed by the Cubs’ Game 1 starter, which is expected to be Jose Quintana. The team will then hold their workout at 4:30 p.m.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and Clayton Kershaw will also speak with media early Friday evening. Los Angeles will then hold their workout on the field.
Game 1 of the NLCS is set for Saturday, with first pitch at Dodger Stadium coming at 5:08 p.m.
