Inside the Astros

Jeremy Pena Not in Lineup on Saturday, Astros Skipper Reveals His Injury Status

What did Joe Espada say about his star player?
Brad Wakai|
May 30, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena (3) looks on from the dugout during the fifth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Daikin Park
May 30, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena (3) looks on from the dugout during the fifth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Daikin Park | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

In this story:

Houston Astros

Another injury scare was present for the Houston Astros on Friday.

They have overcome tons of absences thus far in the 2025 season, but losing Jeremy Pena could be a potential backbreaker based on how well he has performed this year.

That was the concern for everyone when the star shortstop was removed from Friday's contest after he was hit in the ribs by a pitch.

More News: Could This Type of Deal Convince Astros Star To Sign Long-Term Contract?

And with Pena not in the lineup on Saturday, that was enough to prompt some more worry.

However, manager Joe Espada gave an update regarding the team's best hitter so far this season, saying that Pena "is feeling better," per Chandler Rome of The Athletic.

"I'm going to do everything I can to keep him away from today's game," the skipper added, with the plan being for Pena to get more treatment and go through some baseball activities.

More News: Astros Mentioned As Ideal Trade Fit for Three Top Available Deadline Targets

Hopefully this is just a one-game absence.

Like mentioned above, Pena has been the Astros' best player in 2025, leading the team in bWAR (4.7), batting average (.322), on-base percentage (.378), slugging percentage (.489), stolen bases (15) and OPS+ (143), while also sitting third in homers (11) and second in RBI (40).

Not having that type of production in the lineup would be a major issue.

More News: Houston Astros Depth, Talent Helps Boost Their First-Half Season Grades

Espada's comments seem to suggest that Pena won't miss much time outside of Saturday's contest, potentially even returning on Sunday for the finale against the Chicago Cubs.

Still, this is something to monitor considering how imporant he has been to the success of Houston during the first half of the year.

For more Astros news, head over to Astros On SI.

Published
Brad Wakai
BRAD WAKAI

Brad Wakai graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Journalism. While an undergrad, he did work at the student radio station covering different Penn State athletic programs like football, basketball, volleyball, soccer and other sports. Brad currently covers the Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros for Sports Illustrated/FanNation. He is also the Lead Contributor for Nittany Lions Wire of Gannett Media where he continues to cover Penn State athletics. Brad is the host of the sports podcast I Said What I Said, discussing topics across the NFL, College Football, the NBA and other sports. You can follow him on Twitter: @bwakai

Home/News