Wednesday's White Sox-Orioles Game Moved To Afternoon, Will Be Closed To Public
(CBS) Amid civil unrest in Baltimore, Wednesday's game between the White Sox and Orioles at Camden Yards has been moved to a 1:05 p.m. CT/2:05 p.m. ET start and will be closed to the public, the Orioles announced Tuesday. The game had been scheduled for Wednesday night.
The change comes after Monday and Tuesday's games between the teams were postponed due to safety concerns after rioting broke out near the stadium. The latest round of demonstrations follow the recent death of Freddie Gray, 25, an African-American suspect who had been taken into police custody.
Monday's protests were within a couple miles of Camden Yards.
Baffoe: Baseball's not important in Baltimore right now
In making the decision for Wednesday, the Orioles said they consulted with Major League Baseball as well as local and state officials. The mayor had earlier imposed a curfew from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. in Baltimore.
"After conversations with the Orioles and local officials, we believe that these decisions are in the best interests of fan safety and the deployment of city resources," MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. "Our thoughts are with all those who have been affected by violence in Baltimore, and everyone in our game hopes for peace and the safety of a great American city."
At least 15 police officers have been hurt in the riots, and and at least two dozen have been arrested, police said.
Visit CBS Baltimore for the latest news and updates on the civil unrest
The White Sox and Orioles will play a doubleheader at Camden Yards on May 28 to make up the two postponed games. The first game will start at 3:05 p.m. CT. This week had previously been the only trip the White Sox were scheduled to make to Baltimore this season.
The Orioles also announced they've moved their weekend series from Friday through Sunday against the Rays from Baltimore to Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla.
