The Houston Astros are set to take on the Athletics in Game 2 of a three-game series against the Athletics at Daikin Park at 6:10 p.m. CDT on Saturday.
The Astros won the first game of the series 4-0 on Friday.
Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña was notably absent from Friday’s lineup. He also sat on the bench in Thursday’s 18-3 loss to the Los Angeles Angels after being lifted for a pinch-hitter in Wednesday’s 3-2 win against the Angels after being hit in the hand with a 100 mph pitch.
The Astros officially announced their lineup for Saturday’s game.
Houston Astros Announce Jeremy Peña Decision Before Athletics Game
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – AUGUST 14: Jeremy Peña #3 of the Houston Astros runs to first base after hitting a single during the second inning against the Seattle Mariners at Daikin Park on August 14, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
Peña is batting leadoff and playing shortstop for Houston in Saturday’s matchup with the Athletics.
Here’s the Astros’ full lineup:
- Jeremy Peña SS
- Yordan Alvarez DH
- Isaac Paredes 3B
- Jose Altuve 2B
- Christian Walker 1B
- Daulton Varsho CF
- Yanier Diaz C
- Cam Smith RF
- LaMonte Wade Jr. LF
Here’s the Athletics’ lineup for today:
- Henry Bolte CF
- Jeff McNeil 2B
- Zack Gelof 3B
- Carlos Cortes LF
- Lawrence Butler RF
- Tommy White 1B
- Jonah Heim C
- Donovan Walton SS
- Max Muncy DH
Hunter Brown is slated to start for the Astros tonight.
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – AUGUST 16: Hunter Brown #58 of the Houston Astros pitches during the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at Daikin Park on August 16, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
The 27-year-old right-hander is 3-3 with a 3.67 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 72 strikeouts over 68 2/3 innings this year.
Jacob Lopez is expected to start for the Athletics tonight.
The 28-year-old southpaw is 5-4 with a 5.22 ERA, 1.53 WHIP and 81 strikeouts over 88 innings this season.
Looking at Houston Astros star shortstop Jeremy Peña
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – AUGUST 19: Jeremy Peña #3 of the Houston Astros speaks with the umpire at home plate during the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Daikin Park on August 19, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
The Astros placed Peña on the injured list with a hamstring strain on April 13.
Houston activated Peña from the IL on May 18.
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – AUGUST 19: Jeremy Peña #3 of the Houston Astros in action during the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Daikin Park on August 19, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
Unfortunately, Peña went back on the IL on June 30 with a left calf strain.
He returned from the IL on July 10.
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – AUGUST 16: Jeremy Peña #3 of the Houston Astros hits a solo home run during the fourth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Daikin Park on August 16, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
Peña has had a strong season at the plate, slashing .283/.338/.469 with 14 home runs, 14 doubles and 40 RBI across 79 games.
Since making his MLB debut with Houston in 2022, Peña has hit .272/.323/.423 with 78 home runs and 287 RBI.
The Astros will wrap up their series against the Athletics on Sunday afternoon.
Houston Astros Announce Jeremy Peña News During Athletics Series