When doing MR you have to be prepared for emergencies such as this.

I have the premium travel delay from American Express whereby I will be reimbursed when there is such a delay - rather than being stuck with a hotel Delta gives me... In such, I will be given food, hotel stay credit, etc...

These things do happen.

Once on a back to back MR - There was a mechanical. I was unable to fly and make it back the next day for the next MR. They gave me all credits for the flight as if I had flown and I flew the next day, too.