The Houston Astros have been without one of their best players in recent days: shortstop Jeremy Pena. The 28-year-old exited the Astros’ win over the Los Angeles Angels on Aug. 19 with a hand injury.
He was replaced by Nick Allen.
Pena has continued to be sidelined while recovering from what’s considered to be a right-hand contusion. He isn’t listed in the Astros’ lineup for Friday’s series opener against the Athletics. Nick Allen will again make the start at shortstop and bat ninth.
However, Pena will be available off the bench on Friday, said Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle.
Houston was given uplifting news on Jeremy Pena. He was seen taking grounders pregame and is “feeling better,” The Athletic’s Chandler Rome wrote. The shortstop is hoping to make his return on Saturday.
Houston Looks to Bounce Back From Largest Loss of Season
GettyThe Houston Astros suffered their biggest loss of the season on Thursday, losing 18-3 to one of the worst teams in the American League, the Los Angeles Angels. (Photo by Joe Buvid/Getty Images)
In the Astros’ first game since losing Jeremy Pena, they put up a season-worst performance against the Los Angeles Angels.
Houston suffered their biggest loss of the season, 18-3, on Friday night. The result put the Astros back at .500 with a 64-64 record.
A usually reliable starter in Pete Lambert had his worst start of the 2026 campaign, allowing eight hits and nine runs across 3.2 innings. Houston’s bullpen didn’t help the already large wound, allowing another nine runs throughout the rest of the game.
Entering the weekend, Houston has lost four of their five games. Something needs to change before the Astros see their division lead slip from their hands.
Astros Continue Hopeful Push for AL West Title
GettyThe Astros enter Friday with a one-game lead over the Texas Rangers for the lead in the AL West. After losing four of their last five, Houston will need to turn things around in a weekend series against the Athletics. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
With just over a month left in the regular season, the Houston Astros are in a tight race for the American League West title. Houston took over the lead in the division in late July, but is battling with the Texas Rangers for the top position.
Entering Friday, the Astros carry a one-game lead over the Rangers. After losing back-to-back series to the Seattle Mariners and Los Angeles Angels, Houston will look to turn things around against the A’s.
After missing out on the postseason in 2025, getting back to playing October baseball is something that manager Joe Espada and the rest of the franchise seek.
Every game will count, and Houston is taking on a team that currently sits at dead last in the American League.
On the flip side, the Rangers enter a three-game series against the Angels over the weekend. As the regular season gets closer to its end, this will be something to take note of down the stretch.
Astros Announce Jeremy Pena Injury News Ahead of Athletics Series