San Diego, CA — The San Diego Padres’ new ownership debut was marked by heartbreak as the team suffered a dramatic late-game collapse against the Arizona Diamondbacks in Mexico City. José E. Feliciano and Kwanza Jones, presumptive new owners set to acquire about 40% of the franchise, witnessed firsthand how the Padres lost control in the final innings at Estadio Alfredo Harp Helú.
Arriving an hour before first pitch, Feliciano and Jones saw the Padres build a lead early on, spotlighted by a strong pitching performance from Michael King. King dominated through six innings, striking out eight, walking one, and allowing just three hits—two were solo home runs that reflected the challenges of pitching at Mexico City’s thin air. One fly ball traveled 90.9 mph and cleared the fence, a trajectory unlikely at sea level.
King admitted the altitude took a toll:
“The altitude is not fun to pitch in. 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.”
Despite these conditions, King’s numbers continue to impress, with an ERA lowered to 2.48—ranking seventh in the National League—and just five runs allowed over his past 23 innings.
However, the Padres bullpen could not hold the lead. The Diamondbacks rallied late, erasing the advantage and securing a win that cast a shadow over the ownership debut. Juan Fisher remains involved as a 15% owner, while the incoming group led by Feliciano and Jones finalizes the deal valuing the Padres at $3.9 billion.
Padres shortstop Manny Machado expressed excitement about the new ownership, reflecting a desire for stability amid ongoing challenges:
“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.”
In addition to pitching struggles, the Padres are managing injuries and player workload cautiously. Key starters Nick Pivetta and Joe Musgrove remain sidelined, increasing the importance of King’s recent form. Infielder Miguel Andújar continues to deal with hamstring tightness but is showing promise at the plate, batting .311.
Manager Craig Stammen emphasized the team’s strategy to protect players amid the grind of the season:
“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.”
With the Padres set to return to Petco Park for a crucial series against the Chicago Cubs, eyes will be on how the team rebounds and adapts under its new ownership amid injury challenges and high competitive stakes.
This loss in Mexico City underscores the Padres’ urgent need to stabilize pitching and tighten late-inning performance—not just for fans in San Diego but for the ambitions of new owners eager to make an immediate impact on the franchise’s future.
