Jeremy Pena to lead off for Astros in place of injured Jose Altuve

During his eight times in the leadoff spot last season, Peña struggled, batting .129 with one home run and a .432 OPS in 31 plate appearances.

With the loss of Altuve, Peña will have to turn things around at the No. 1 slot and generate more runs to give the Astros a chance to win games. 

During the 2022 regular season, Peña hit .253 with 22 homers and a .289 OBP. In the postseason, he improved by hitting .345 with a .367 OBP, earning World Series MVP and helping the Astros win their second world title in franchise history. 

Now, the 2022 Gold Glove Award recipient will look to continue his success by taking on a bigger role with the absence of All-Star second baseman Altuve. 

Last week, Altuve underwent surgery for a fractured thumb while playing a World Baseball Classic game between the United States and Venezuela. 

Altuve, who started in every Opening Day game for the Astros since 2012, is expected to miss two months. 

It’s a huge blow for the defending World Series champions, who'll have to rely on their other stars to make up for Altuve’s absence. 

Altuve hit .300 with 28 home runs and a .921 OPS last season. The Astros finished the 2022 season with a 106-56 record. In the postseason, Altuve went 11-for-58 (.190) in 13 games, but the Astros still managed to win their second World Series title.

Infielders Mauricio Dubón and David Hensley, who played in 83 and 16 games last season, respectively, are expected to help fill the void at second base. 

The Astros kick off their 2023 campaign on Thursday night at Minute Maid Park against the Chicago White Sox.