Major League Baseball's first game after the All-Star break was played in "unhealthy" air conditions.The Philadelphia Phillies hosted the New York Mets as air quality due to Canadian wildfires reached an index of 196 - other parts of the Northeast and Midwest neared 500, which is considered hazardous.Due to the air concerns, it was announced at around 4 p.m.ET that the game, originally slated for 7:10 p.m., would be moved up an hour, which apparently was a good idea.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMThe sun glows orange from smoke from the Canadian wildfires near the Philadelphia Phillies scoreboard during the fourth inning of a game against the New York Mets Thursday, July 16, 2026, in Philadelphia.
(Chris Szagola/AP)"I didn't think it was bad until the last couple of innings.Eyes itching, burning a little bit," Mets infielder Brett Baty said.
"[Carson] Benge said it felt like you were sitting at a campfire, just close to a campfire, which was pretty good.It's fun, but it didn't feel great playing ball with it, though.""At the end of the game, it was a little bit more difficult, especially catching," Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez added through an interpreter.
"It became more difficult to see at the end."Mets pitcher Christian Scott said he "felt like I was breaking some metal."Bryce Harper was a bit more stern, saying while he was mic'd up on the ESPN broadcast during the game that it was "not the greatest idea to come out and play in this type of weather."Phillies starter Aaron Nola added that the "smoky" conditions were "not ideal."Both interim managers, Don Mattingly and Andy Green, didn't seem to think the air affected the gameplay too much, but Mattingly and Phillies outfielder Brandon Marsh credited umpire Dan Iassogna for constantly checking the air quality and making sure the players were OK.A general view of Citizens Bank Park during the game between the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies on July 16, 2026, in Philadelphia.The Mets...