Chicago's baseball fans were dealt a soggy blow on the evening of June 18, 2025, as both the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox saw their scheduled home games postponed due to persistent rain and unfavorable weather conditions. The Cubs were set to host the Milwaukee Brewers at the iconic Wrigley Field at 7:05 p.m., while the White Sox were preparing to face off against the St. Louis Cardinals at Rate Field. However, inclement weather led to the cancellation of both contests, prompting the teams to announce new dates and formats for the makeup games.
The Chicago Cubs, holding a solid 45-28 record, will now reschedule their game against the Brewers, who stand at 39-35, as part of a split doubleheader on Monday, August 18, 2025. The makeup game is slated to kick off at 1:20 p.m., followed by the originally scheduled game at 7:05 p.m. This adjustment means that Cubs fans will get to enjoy two games in one day at Wrigley Field later this summer. Notably, right-handed pitcher Jameson Taillon, who was originally set to start on June 18, will instead take the mound for the series finale on Thursday, June 19, at 1:20 p.m., giving him a slight delay but maintaining his role in the rotation.
For Cubs enthusiasts, there is an added bonus related to the postponed game. Fans who missed out on the Hello Kitty special ticket offer before the postponement now have the opportunity to redeem it on the rescheduled date in August, ensuring that the unique promotional event is not lost to the rain delay.
Meanwhile, the Chicago White Sox, who have struggled this season with a 23-50 record, will make up their postponed game against the St. Louis Cardinals (38-35) with a straightforward doubleheader on Thursday, June 19, 2025, starting at 1:10 p.m. at Rate Field. The second game is scheduled to begin approximately 30 to 45 minutes after the conclusion of the first, allowing fans to witness two full games in one afternoon. Parking lots for the event will open early at 11 a.m., with gates to Rate Field opening at 11:40 a.m., giving fans ample time to settle in for what promises to be a busy day of baseball.
The pitching matchups for the White Sox doubleheader have also been announced, adding to the anticipation. Sean Burke and Mike Vasil are set to start for the White Sox in the first and second games, respectively. On the opposing side, the Cardinals plan to counter with Erick Fedde in Game 1 and Michael McGreevy in Game 2. These pitching assignments provide an intriguing subplot for the doubleheader, as both teams look to gain momentum in the midst of their respective seasons.
The decision to postpone both games came after a day marked by severe weather warnings. Earlier on June 18, the National Weather Service had issued tornado watches for parts of Chicagoland, which thankfully were pulled or expired by game time. However, a flood watch remained in effect through 8 p.m., making play unsafe and impractical. The Cubs and White Sox organizations prioritized fan and player safety by opting to reschedule rather than risk hazardous conditions on the field.
This weather disruption is a notable hiccup in the baseball calendar for Chicago, where fans are accustomed to passionate and energetic home games. The Cubs, with their strong winning record, have been a highlight of the Major League Baseball season in the city, while the White Sox continue to battle through a tough year, aiming to build towards future success. The makeup dates offer both teams a chance to regroup and maintain their competitive edge as the season progresses.
For the Cubs, the August 18 split doubleheader presents a unique challenge and opportunity. Playing two games in one day requires stamina and strategic pitching management, but it also allows the team to potentially secure two vital wins against a competitive Brewers squad. Fans will be eager to see how manager David Ross navigates this demanding schedule, especially with Taillon's adjusted start date.
On the White Sox side, the June 19 doubleheader is a chance to capitalize on home-field advantage against the Cardinals, a team that is currently above .500 and pushing for playoff contention. With pitchers Sean Burke and Mike Vasil taking the mound, the White Sox will look to tighten their defense and generate offensive momentum. The Cardinals' choice of Erick Fedde and Michael McGreevy as starters adds an extra layer of intrigue, as both teams seek to assert dominance in this mid-season matchup.
The postponements also highlight the broader challenges professional sports teams face with unpredictable weather, especially in regions like Chicago where spring and early summer can be volatile. Scheduling makeup games requires coordination with multiple stakeholders, including players, broadcasters, and fans, all of whom must adjust their plans accordingly.
Despite the disruptions, the Cubs and White Sox organizations have communicated clearly with their fan bases, ensuring ticket holders for the postponed games are accommodated. White Sox fans who purchased tickets for the original June 18 game will be able to attend both games of the June 19 doubleheader without additional cost, a gesture that is sure to be appreciated by the loyal supporters.
As the summer unfolds, Chicago baseball fans will be keeping a close eye on the rescheduled games, eager to see how the teams respond after the weather-induced pause. The Cubs' August doubleheader could prove pivotal in their quest to maintain a strong playoff position, while the White Sox will look to use their June doubleheader as a springboard for improved performances and future success.
In the meantime, the flood watch that lingered over Chicagoland on June 18 has since lifted, allowing the city to prepare for the upcoming baseball action without further weather interruptions. Both teams and their fans can now focus on the road ahead, ready to embrace the excitement and unpredictability that make baseball America's pastime.
