Astros star Jeremy Pena’s ‘last hurdle’ before beginning injury rehab assignment

The Houston Astros badly need good news right now, and the latest injury update surrounding Jeremy Pena finally gave fans something to hold onto. According to Houston Chronicle reporter Matt Kawahara, Astros manager Joe Espada said Pena will “hopefully” run bases in Cincinnati either Saturday or Sunday. That would become the final hurdle before the Astros star begins a minor-league rehab assignment.

The injury has sidelined the 2025 All-Star since April after he suffered a Grade 1 right hamstring strain earlier this season. Under the pressure of another brutal Astros injury stretch, the timing of this update suddenly feels massive.

Houston’s roster has taken hit after hit recently. Former All-Star shortstop Carlos Correa is already out for the season after undergoing surgery. Meanwhile, the Astros are still without catcher Yainer Diaz, center fielder Jake Meyers, pitcher Tatsuya Imai, and ace starter Hunter Brown. The injuries have drained depth across the roster on both sides of the ball. Every lineup card and pitching plan now feels different from the last one. That makes Pena’s recovery feel even more important for a team trying to survive the grind of the season.

Jeremy Pena could stabilize Astros lineup again

Before the injury, Jeremy Pena slashed .256/.304/.349 while still searching for his first home run and RBI of the season. The numbers were modest. Still, Houston relied heavily on his defense, speed, and calm presence at shortstop. The 2022 World Series MVP continued setting the tone with effort and energy every night.

Now the focus turns to the base-running test. Hamstring injuries often become tricky once players start cutting and accelerating at full speed. One sharp movement can change everything. The Astros know that.

Joe Espada still sounded optimistic, though. Fans noticed immediately. After weeks of frustrating injury news, the energy around Houston suddenly shifted for a moment. The crowd can already picture Peña jogging back onto the field again under the bright stadium lights.

And honestly, with so many key players sidelined, the Astros need that moment more than ever.

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