To keep his top pitchers on normal rest, Collins will skip Jeremy Heffner on Thursday in favor of Jonathon Niese, while the Rockies will counter with Jon Garland.

WSJ: More snow forces postponement of Mets-Rockies game

With Detroit enjoying an off day before the next series against the Yankees, Verlander was on schedule to start Game 3 of the ALCS on his normal four days rest.

FORBES: Top Seeded Yankees Get Jobbed By Playoff Schedule Makers

But as the Southwest heated up, the rest of the nation began returning to normal summertime temperatures.

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