Astros' Joe Espada Announces Jeremy Pena Update After Removal From Lineup

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Aug 15, 2025 7:22 PM ET

The Houston Astros have had an excellent season despite missing key pieces due to injury, owning a 68–53 record with a 1.5-game lead in the AL West over the Seattle Mariners.

Jeremy Pena has led the way offensively for Houston, putting together his best season yet in his fourth year in the big leagues. The 27-year-old shortstop broke out in 2022, finishing fifth in AL Rookie of the Year voting and leading the Astros to a championship with his World Series MVP performance.

In 2025, Pena earned his first career All-Star selection and has posted a .318 batting average, .865 OPS, 13 home runs, and 45 RBIs through 93 games in Houston.

Astros Scratch Jeremy Pena From Starting Lineup

Ahead of Friday’s game against the Baltimore Orioles, Pena was removed from his everyday role at shortstop and was not listed in the starting lineup.

Before the game, Astros manager Joe Espada announced that the star shortstop was feeling under the weather and would be undergoing tests to assess the severity.

"Joe Espada said Jeremy Peña is “under the weather” and getting some tests done."

Joe Espada said Jeremy Peña is “under the weather” and getting some tests done.
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) August 15, 2025

Despite Injuries, Pena Having Best Season Yet for Astros

Pena has been banged up in 2025, the only disappointment of his breakout season. He missed the entire month of July due to a fractured rib, and in his first game back, he experienced hamstring cramps and had to be removed.

Espada has been cautious with Pena’s usage, giving him regular rest days since his return. With the Astros entering a crucial stretch of the season, Pena’s availability will be important moving forward.

Pena remains under team control for two more seasons, and the franchise views him as their long-term shortstop with Carlos Correa now handling third base.

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

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