José E. Feliciano and Kwanza Jones, the prospective new owners of the San Diego Padres, attended Sunday’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Estadio Alfredo Harp Helú in Mexico City.

New Ownership Group Attends Game

The couple arrived approximately an hour before the first pitch and observed the Padres initially take a lead before ultimately losing the game. Feliciano and Jones are part of an ownership group chosen by the Seidler family to acquire roughly 40% of the Padres, valuing the franchise at $3.9 billion.

Machado Welcomes New Owners

Current team owner John Fisher is expected to retain a 15% stake in the team. Padres shortstop Manny Machado expressed his excitement about the incoming ownership, stating, “Oh, man. Nice, awesome. I mean, I wish we would have brought them a ‘W.’ This is their team now. So, I love the support. Hopefully we see them more often and see them around San Diego.”

King Shines Despite Altitude

Starting pitcher Michael King had a strong outing despite the challenges presented by Mexico City’s high altitude. He recorded eight strikeouts, one walk, and allowed only three hits over six innings.

Altitude Impacts Pitching

Two of the hits allowed were solo home runs, with King noting that one likely wouldn’t have cleared the fence at sea level. “The altitude is not fun to pitch in,” King said. “It’s fun to see our hitters hit in it, but I don’t like it. I don’t feel as comfortable on the mound as I normally would.”

Bullpen Struggles, Team Manages Injuries

The Padres’ bullpen faltered in the later innings, allowing the Diamondbacks to rally and win the game. King’s performance was a positive, as he has only allowed five runs in his last 23 innings, bringing his ERA down to 2.48, ranking seventh in the National League.

The Padres are also navigating injuries to key starters Nick Pivetta and Joe Musgrove. Infielder Miguel Andújar is managing hamstring tightness, but has a .311 batting average. Manager Craig Stammen emphasized the importance of careful player management, stating, “We’re just trying to manage that. The same thing we have talked about with all the guys about managing their workload and things like that.”

The Padres will next face the Chicago Cubs at Petco Park.