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Astros’ Joe Espada Announces Exciting Jeremy Peña News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Josh Valdez | Last updated Jul 28, 2025 6:41 PM ET

The Houston Astros just lost four straight games to the last-place Athletics at home by a combined score of 32-7, but they have plenty to smile about. The club is still four games ahead of the Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers atop the AL West, and it's just three games behind the Toronto Blue Jays for the AL's top seed.

Part of why Houston struggled against the Athletics is health, as shortstop Jeremy Peña (rib) and third baseman Isaac Paredes (hamstring) are both on the 10-day IL. Peña leads the team with a .322 batting average, which also ranks third in baseball. Meanwhile, Paredes tops the squad with 19 homers.

However, Astros manager Joe Espada revealed a positive Peña development before Monday's bout with the Washington Nationals, via The Athletic's Chandler Rome.

Peña will play for Triple-A Sugar Land on Tuesday. The 27-year-old's last MLB game was on June 27.

Peña made his first All-Star team this season, a return to prominence after winning ALCS MVP, World Series MVP, and a Gold Glove Award in 2022.

Jeremy Peña will play for Triple-A Sugar Land tomorrow, Joe Espada said.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) July 28, 2025

Houston is 4-6 in its last 10 games, as it swept the Arizona Diamondbacks before the Athletics series and lost two out of three against the Mariners before that. After hosting the Nationals, the club will hit the road to play the Boston Red Sox, Miami Marlins, and New York Yankees.

Southpaw pitcher Framber Valdez (11-4, 2.67 ERA) will start for the Astros on Monday against Washington right-hander Brad Lord (2-5, 3.39 ERA).

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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