Astros to play exhibition game in Mexico City

All-Star second baseman Jose Altuve, General Manager Jeff Luhnow and mascot Orbit on Wednesday were on hand as Major League Baseball annouced that the Houston Astros and San Diego Padres will played two exhibition games on March 26-27 at Estadio Fray Nano in Mexico City.

Major League Baseball, the Major League Baseball Players Association and Mexico City Mayor Dr. Miguel Mancera announced the "Mexico City Series" in hopes of promoting the sport of baseball in Mexico.

The games have a special connection for Luhnow, who was born and raised in Mexico. Luhnow said of the games:

"I'm thrilled that the Astros will have the opportunity to play games in Mexico," Luhnow said. "The Mexican people have a great love for baseball, so I know these games will be very well-received."

This isn't the Astros first trip overseas, Houston played two Spring Training games against the Florida Marlins in Mexico City in 2004. Houston has also participated in international Spring Training contests in the Dominican Republic (2000) and Venezuela (2001).

The Astros and Padres will play the exhibition games in Mexico City with split squads, as both clubs will also have Spring Training games at their respective Florida and Arizona locations on March 26-27.