Pirates players sound off on MLB for playing in unhealthy air quality; Andrew McCutchen masks up

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The Pittsburgh Pirates and San Diego Padres are wrapping up their series on Thursday at PNC Park, despite an unhealthy air quality index in western Pennsylvania.

The game was delayed 45 minutes due to poor air conditions caused by lingering smoke from wildfires in Canada – this resulted in several MLB games being postponed this month and air quality had been a concern during Wednesday night's game as well.

However, all parties decided to play on Thursday despite the haziness in the air.

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Pittsburgh Pirates' Andrew McCutchen scores against the San Diego Padres during the sixth inning in Pittsburgh on June 29, 2023. McCutchen wore a face mask due to smoke from wildfires in Canada that has engulfed downtown Pittsburgh and PNC Park for several days. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

"After collaborative discussions between Major League Baseball, the Major League Baseball Players Association, our team of expert medical providers at Allegheny Health Network, our players and staff, we have made the decision to move forward with our game today," the Pirates said in a statement. "We will continue to closely monitor the air quality index levels around the ballpark and respond accordingly."

However, members of the Pirates were not thrilled with the decision, which is ultimately up to MLB.

Andrew McCutchen said he was "concerned" about playing and wore a mask during Thursday's game.

Pittsburgh Pirates' Andrew McCutchen, right, wears a face mask as he celebrates after a win over the San Diego Padres in Pittsburgh on June 29, 2023. Smoke from wildfires in Canada has been hanging over downtown Pittsburgh