The Houston Astros began a three-game series agains the Chicago Cubs, with former franchise legends Kyle Tucker and Ryan Pressly returning to town. While there was a lot of optimism, and the Astros got out to a 7-1 start, the team saw one of their superstars leave the game early.
On Twitter/X Chandler Rome of The Athletic shared that the Astros announced that shortstop Jeremy Peña had left rib soreness, causing him to leave the game early against the Cubs. He suffered the injury on a hit-by-pitch in the bottom of the second inning.
Jeremy Peña left the game with “left rib soreness” caused by a hit by pitch, according to the Astros.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) June 28, 2025
Taking his place in the lineup is utility man Mauricio Dubon. This injury to Peña is one to closely monitor, as the Astros superstar has been an integral part of the club’s hot start to the 2025 season.
In 2025, Peña had an impressive 102 hits, 48 runs scored, 18 doubles, one triple, 11 home runs, 40 RBIS, 20 walks, and 55 strikeouts. He has a remarkable .324 batting average and a very strong .871 OPS heading into the Cubs game. Before leaving the game against the Cubs, Peña went 0-2 with a hit-by-pitch that caused him to leave the game early.
Peña is in the middle of an incredible 2025 campaign. While this injury shouldn’t put a stop to his massive payday that’s on the horizon, it does put a hold on his incredible season. It’s not likely to be a long-term issue, but it’s a worrying injury no matter the severity.
More about Peña’s injury will be known after the game, and before the Astros’ second game of their series against the Cubs on Saturday. While Peña and the Astros will have to wait, the injury isn’t as bad as some hit-by-pitches have been in baseball. The time he’ll miss is unknown, but there’s more hope for Peña to return to the lineup sooner rather than later.
