Hurricane Irene has prompted the postponement of Saturday and Sunday's games against the Atlanta Braves. Those games will be made up as a single-admission doubleheader on Sept. 8, a mutual off-day, at 4:10 p.m. Saturday tickets will be good for Sept. 8. Sunday tickets must be exchanged for a ticket of comparable value.

The Mets had discussed moving Saturday's game from 4:10 p.m. to 12:10 or 1:10 p.m., but needed approval from city officials. The New York Times reported city public transportation will be shut down at noon Saturday, making a game impractical.

The weekend cancellations alleviate the need for two starters during next week's series against the Florida Marlins. The Mets still need a replacement for Jon Niese that series, with Miguel Batista appearing logical after he was promoted Friday.

The Mets now will not need a spot starter until next Friday at Washington, after rosters have expanded. (Chris Schwinden or Pat Misch?)

The need for a spot starter Friday arises because with no game Sunday and a doubleheader Monday, one of Monday's starters otherwise would be required to pitch on short rest three days later.