Two umpires opened the San Diego Padres‑Texas Rangers series Friday because travel delays kept the rest of the crew off the diamond. Emil Jimenez and John Bacon arrived before first pitch, handling home‑plate and field duties while teammates Gabe Morales and Mike Muchlinski landed midway through the first inning. The shortage forced Jimenez, slated for second base, to call balls and strikes.

With only half the crew, both clubs received an extra replay challenge for the opener. Normally each manager starts with a challenge, retaining it if a call is overturned. Bacon, alone in the field, ejected Rangers bench coach Luis Ureta after an argument after San Diego’s inning against Jacob de Grom. The challenge proved crucial when a close play at first base was overturned on review.

Morales and Muchlinski joined Jimenez behind the plate, restoring a full crew. The trio had worked with veteran umpire Doug Eddings in Thursday’s Yankees‑White Sox game, where Chicago edged New York. Their presence steadied officiating as the Padres built a lead, setting the tone for a series that could shift early standings. Their swift integration helped avoid further disruptions later.