During the Houston Astros and Chicago Cubs game on Friday night, Jeremy Peña was hit by a pitch. After staying in the game initially, he was then removed due to a rib issue. While there was concern at the moment, the imaging showed there was no fracture, and Peña was overall okay.
Ahead of the second game against the Cubs, as Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports, Peña is feeling better, according to manager Joe Espada. Also shared in the report from Rome was Espada’s plan with Peña amid his injury.
Jeremy Peña is feeling better, but Joe Espada said “I’m going to do everything I can to keep him away from today’s game.” Peña will get treatment and do some baseball stuff.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) June 28, 2025
“I’m going to do everything I can to keep him away from today’s game,” Espada said. Peña will get some treatment and do some baseball activities before the game, but Espada has no plans to use him in Saturday’s game.
This is a great update for Peña for multiple reasons. The first, of course, is how Peña is feeling better the next day. It’s a sign of progress and indicates Peña is on the road to getting back on the field.
The other important aspect of this report is that Espada has to emphasize that Peña won’t get into the game on Saturday. While on the surface this may not seem important, it’s an indicator that there was a chance he could go in a different situation.
But, with the season barely over halfway, there’s no reason to risk further injury with Peña. With how great Peña has been this season, this report from Rome is very welcome news. The Astros have a plan for their superstar shortstop, and it’s one indicative of recovery.
Peña is out of the lineup on Saturday, but based on Espada’s comments, there’s a chance he could get back in the lineup on Sunday at the earliest. After a worrisome initial diagnosis, a rib issue, this report is a good sign that Peña is on the road to recovery.
