Astros and Padres Finalize Rosters For Mexico City Series

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This weekend, the Houston Astros will play a two-game set with the San Diego Padres in Mexico City and both teams have finalized their rosters.

Among the Astros regulars making the trip to Mexico City are infielders Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa, Marwin Gonzalez, Luis Valbuena and outfielders Preston Tucker and Jake Marisnick. In total, the Astros will bring 28 players with them on this special trip while the other half of the roster stays in the United States to play the Marlins on Saturday, the 26th in Kissimmee and the Tigers on Sunday, the 27th in Lakeland. Minor League pitchers Chris Devenski and Brady Rodgers will start on the mound for the Astros.

While the Padres haven’t announced their entire roster yet, rookie manager Andy Green did unveil a few names for the trip. Corey Spangenberg, Yangervis Solarte, Jon Jay and Alexei Ramirez will be among those making the trip and Puebla, Mexico native Cesar Vargas will start one of the two games on the mound.

The Padres and Astros will play at Fray Nano, the home of the Diablos Rojos de Mexico (Mexico City Red Devils). The Red Devils are owned by Alfredo Harp Helu, who is also part of the Padres’ ownership group. Fray Nano Stadium has a 4,500-seat capacity, but will have an expanded capacity of roughly 8,000 fans after under-going a temporary expansion to accommodate for the Mexico City Series.

Major League Baseball is making an effort to promote the game of baseball internationally by playing games in major cities. Aside from the Mexico City Series, the Tampa Bay Rays played in Cuba against the national team and is the first team to represent MLB since the Baltimore Orioles last played there in 1999 before the country cut diplomatic relations with the United States. The Miami Marlins are also scheduled to play two regular season games in San Juan, Puerto Rico against the Pittsburgh Pirates in honor of Roberto Clemente.