The 2024 MLB Mexico City Series: Everything You Need To Know

The 2024 MLB season opened in Seoul, South Korea, where the Dodgers and Padres split a two-game set at the Gocheok Sky Dome. This coming weekend, the Astros and Rockies will meet at Estadio Alfredo Harp Helú (Alfredo Harp Helú Stadium) in Mexico City, Mexico for the second international series of the regular season.

The Houston Astros have gotten off to a rough start in 2024, with a 7-19 record that has them in last place in the AL West. The Colorado Rockies have an identical 7-19 record, although their poor performance hardly counts as a surprise.

Here is a rundown of everything you need to know about the second annual MLB World Tour: Mexico City Series.

What Happened in the Last Mexico City Series?

The first Mexico City Series was scheduled to be played between the Diamondbacks and Padres in April 2020 but was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Three years later, the first regular season MLB series in Mexico City finally took place, with the Padres sweeping the Giants in two games.

Thanks to the high altitude of Mexico City, Estadio Alfredo Harp Helú proved to be a true hitter’s paradise. The two teams combined to slug 15 home runs over two games.

Who Is Playing in the 2024 Mexico City Series?

The Astros and Rockies will face off in the 2024 Mexico City Series. The Rockies will be the official home team for both games, which is somewhat surprising considering Houston is significantly closer than Denver to Mexico City.

Mexico City and Houston are both in the Central Time Zone, whereas Denver is in the Mountain Time Zone. However, because Mexico City does not observe daylight savings, it is currently the same time in Mexico City and Denver, while Houston is an hour ahead.

The Rockies might also feel more at home than the Astros given the high altitude of Mexico City. Mexico City is 7,350 feet above sea level, while Denver is 5,280 feet above sea level. The highest point in Houston is about 150 feet above sea level.

When Does the Mexico City Series Start?

After traveling to Mexico, both teams will have an off day on Friday. The first game of the series begins at 4:05 p.m. local time on Saturday, April 27 while the second game kicks off at 2:05 p.m. local time on Sunday, April 28.

Here is the complete schedule for the series:

Where Will the Series Take Place?

For the second year in a row, the teams will face off at Estadio Alfredo Harp Helú in Mexico City. It is the home stadium of the Diablos Rojos del México of the Mexican League.

While this will be the second MLB regular season series in Mexico City, it will be the seventh regular season series played in Mexico. The five previous series took place at the Estadio de Béisbol Monterrey in Monterrey, Mexico in 1996, 1999, 2018, and twice in 2019.

Players To Keep an Eye On

Unfortunately, Astros starter José Urquidy has been on the injured list with a forearm strain all season and won’t be able to pitch in the series. The right-hander was born in Mazatlán, Mexico – not particularly close to Mexico City, but still, it would have been nice if Urquidy had the chance to pitch in his home country. He appeared in two games for Team Mexico in the World Baseball Classic last year.

Astros players to watch in the Mexico City Series include Jose Altuve, who is making a case for his second MVP with a strong start to the season; Yordan Alvarez, whose incredible strength could play up in such a hitter-friendly environment; 2024 breakout sensation Ronel Blanco, who is set to start the first game of the series; and All-Star left-hander Framber Valdez, who will return from the injured list to start on Sunday.

As for the Rockies, Nolan Jones is a name to watch as the promising young outfielder tries to bust out of his early-season slump. Jones has the raw power to put on a show at Estadio Alfredo Harp Helú.

The Rockies will send Cal Quantrill to the mound in the first game of the series. Austin Gomber will take on Valdez in a lefty-on-lefty matchup for game two. Both Rockies hurlers are still seeking their first wins of the season.

How To Watch the MLB Mexico City Series

The first game of the Mexico City Series will air on each team’s regular broadcaster: Space City Home Network for the Astros and the Rockies.tv in-market streaming service for the Rockies. Out-of-market fans can watch as usual on MLB.tv.

ESPN will air a national broadcast of the second game.