Carlos Correa Bracing for Change After Jeremy Pena News on Saturday

Jeremy Pena Update After Absence from Lineup

Shortstop Jeremy Pena was placed on the 10-day injured list on June 30 due to a fractured rib sustained from being hit by a pitch a few days prior.

He returned to the Astros’ lineup on August 1 to play the series opener against Boston following a minor league rehab assignment but left the game in the tenth inning.

After Pena was absent from the lineup for Saturday’s game against the Red Sox, manager Joe Espada clarified that the 27-year-old All-Star exited due to a cramp and was given the day off to “make sure he bounces back.”

Short-Term and Long-Term Outlook for Carlos Correa

The trade to acquire Correa became official because of his willingness to transition to third base, given Pena’s role as Houston’s everyday shortstop.

Correa is slotted in at shortstop today in Pena’s absence but will need to brace for a permanent shift to third base once Pena returns to full strength.

Pena broke out during the 2022 season, capturing a Gold Glove Award and World Series MVP honors as the most important piece of Houston’s championship run. He’s put together his best season in 2025, batting .326 with 11 home runs, 40 RBIs and 15 stolen bases over 83 games.

Correa is having a down year in 2025, hitting .264 with a .696 OPS and seven home runs over 93 games after an excellent 2024 campaign that earned him his first All-Star selection as a Twin. The Astros hope that returning to a familiar organization will help Correa rediscover his offensive rhythm, and his presence alongside Pena will be crucial to Houston’s postseason success.