With the return of Jeremy Pena and the addition of Carlos Correa, the Houston Astros saw their left side of the infield take a dramatic step forward from where it was before the trade deadline.
In the Astros series finale against the Miami Marlins, the superstar shortstop was sitting on the bench. While there was some concern, Chandler Rome of the Athletic reported that Astros manager Joe Espada wasn’t concerned, and even shared a positive outlook on Pena’s status going forward/
“Jeremy Pena’s off day is scheduled and ‘part of his buildup’ after the rib and hamstring issues, Joe Espada said,” Rome reported. “Espada said he should resume playing every day this weekend in New York.”
Jeremy Peña’s off day is scheduled and “part of his buildup” after the rib and hamstring issues, Joe Espada said. Espada said he should resume playing every day this weekend in New York.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) August 6, 2025
This update from Espada is very encouraging. While Pena was back in the lineup, to hear he’s close to being an everyday player again is a huge step forward for the Astros and Pena.
Getting the breakout shortstop into the lineup every day would be a huge help for an Astros offense, which hasn’t been as great as it’s been this season without him.
Pena is hitting .322 on the year, with 108 hits, 49 runs scored, 20 doubles, two triples, 11 home runs, 43 RBIs, 15 stolen bases, and an .870 OPS this season in 86 games played.
MORE: Astros agree to blockbuster trade with Twins for Carlos Correa
His slash line of .322/.378/.493 is the best of his career. He’s 27 years old and having a breakout season. The Gold Glove shortstop and World Series MVP has an impressive resume, and this season, he’s finally breaking out offensively.
While the Astros were swept by the Boston Red Sox in their first series back, and Pena went 3-9, the Astros finally got their starting shortstop back after more than a month on the injured list for a rib issue.
This report from Rome on the update for Pena’s playing time is a great sign going forward. If Pena is poised to play every day as Espada says, then the Astros’ shortstop doesn’t have any lingering concerns about his health.
With a huge series against the New York Yankees this weekend, Pena’s return to an everyday player comes at a great time. The Astros will be closer to full-strength against the Yankees as Pena is expected to start every day for the Astros in New York.
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