Latest news with #Astros'
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Astros lose Jeremy Pena to injured list with rib fracture
The post Astros lose Jeremy Pena to injured list with rib fracture appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Houston Astros have soared out to a 6.5-game lead in the American League West. Even with an improved offense in Seattle and dominant pitching from the Texas Rangers, Houston remains atop the division. A massive reason why is shortstop Jeremy Pena, who has broken out after two poor seasons. But on Monday, the Astros put Pena on the injured list with a rib fracture suffered on a hit-by-pitch. Advertisement 'Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena, who was having the finest season of his career and headed to the All-Star Game, is now headed to the IL with a rib fracture,' Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported. Pena is hitting .322 through 82 games, with 11 homers, 15 steals, and a .867 OPS. He was playing an elite defensive shortstop while playing at a 20-20 pace before this injury. Now, the Astros will have to rely on players who have not been very good this year to keep their offense afloat. Christian Walker was the Astros' big free agency signing this offseason. In 81 games, he has a .653 OPS with a -1.0 bWAR. There is still time for that to turn around. But without Pena, he does not have protection in the lineup. This injured list stint could keep Pena out until the All-Star Break, which is two weeks away. That means Houston will play key sets against the Dodgers, Guardians, and Rangers without their shortstop. But the first series after the break might be the biggest of their season. The Astros need Pena back when they head to Seattle for three games after the break. If he is there, they could take a commanding lead in the division. Advertisement Pena jumped onto the scene as a rookie when he won the ALCS and World Series MVP in 2022. But the two years that followed that were rough, with a combined .703 OPS. Just as he was ascending again, he hits the injured list. Related: Astros' Bryan Abreu gets real on Houston's resilience amid injury woes Related: Astros' Joe Espada downplays Jeremy Pena injury despite absence
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
3 Astros prospects who must be untouchable in trade talks
The post 3 Astros prospects who must be untouchable in trade talks appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Houston Astros are currently leading the American League West. They also have the second-best record in the AL. But while things are looking good right now, they will always want to tighten up their weaknesses, and the Astros' trade market will be strong. Therefore, they might find some temptation to trade. If they want a better future, along with a great chance to contend annually, the organization must hold onto three Astros prospects who other teams would love to have. Advertisement Jose Altuve still leads the Astros after all these seasons, but he is not getting any younger. Likewise, the Astros have some injury concerns that might leave them weak at several positions. Currently, they rank fourth in batting average, but are also 14th in on-base percentage and 18th in runs. Houston is also just 15th in home runs, indicating a slight drop in power. Conversely, their pitching staff is elite, ranking third in team ERA and second in batting average against. The Astros' trade market will be buzzing, as teams make calls inquiring about some of these pitchers, as the team tries to improve its lineup. However, Houston must utilize their trade chips correctly and not trade away these three players. These Astros prospects are untouchable. Cam Smith should not be on the Astros trade prospects list Cam Smith made his MLB debut and may make more of an impact soon. That is because Houston lost Jeremy Pena to a rib fracture, and his return is unknown. Now, the time for Smith is happening, and he is ready to make an impact. If you recall, he was one of the prospects acquired in the trade of Kyle Tucker to the Chicago Cubs. Advertisement Smith is batting .285 with seven home runs, 35 RBIs, and 34 runs along with a .355 on-base percentage. Curiously, he hit .313 with a .396 on-base percentage and seven home runs, 24 RBIs, and 20 runs across 32 games in three levels for the Cubs last season. So far, the Astros have to feel good about this trade, and the fact that it is paying off immediately. With several starters now on the injured list, Smith is getting an expanded role. Smith is not just the best Astros prospect on the roster, but within the next few months, he could soon become one of the best players as Houston makes another title push. AJ Blubaugh is on Astros trade market A.J. Blubaugh had a great season in 2024, going 12-4 with a 3.83 ERA in 25 games in Triple-A. Therefore, it's not surprising to see that he already got a call-up to the majors. Blubaugh lasted just four innings in his lone start, allowing two earned runs, both home runs, before being sent back down. Yet, he has struggled in Triple-A Sugar Land, going 3-8 with a 6.99 ERA. This has sparked concerns and has led some to believe he could be on the Astros' trade market. Advertisement Blubaugh was considered one of the best Astros' trade prospects a year ago. Yet, things have fallen off a cliff this season. Blubaugh relies on a four-seam fastball that hits 92-95 MPH. Additionally, he uses a sweeper, a changeup, a slider, a cutter, and a curveball. Blubaugh's best strengths include relying on his fastball and a deceptive offspeed pitch combination. However, his weaknesses include control issues. There are also some issues with his fastball when Blubaugh misses his armslide, and it becomes hittable. He has not developed the endurance to play long in games, and that is something he needs to work on. For now, Blubaugh remains part of the Astros' future plans, and they must stick with him and develop him. Anderson Brito is one of the best Astros prospects Anderson Brito has been a rising star for the last couple of seasons, and the Astros expect him to be one of their best starters in a few seasons. Last season, he had a 1.51 ERA while striking out 82 hitters over his first 52 2/3 innings. Brito has the potential to become a big-time starting pitcher. Advertisement The Astros may find the temptation to trade Brito because of their need for more hitting. Overall, this season has gone well for Brito in Single-A Asheville, as he holds a 3.28 ERA over 12 starts. Despite not yet securing a win, Brito has done a great job of keeping his team alive in games. Brito will likely not factor into the Astros' plans until at least 2027. Regardless, the team's strength has always been its starting pitching. The Astros cannot forget what has made them a contender for all these years. Trading Brito would be a mistake because it would strip them of one of their best pitching prospects in the pipeline. Related: Astros outfielder takes step toward injury return Related: Astros provide important Yordan Alvarez injury update
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jose Altuve reveals personal philosophy after Astros' 2nd straight win over Dodgers
The post Jose Altuve reveals personal philosophy after Astros' 2nd straight win over Dodgers appeared first on ClutchPoints. Jose Altuve revealed how he and the Houston Astros has taken control of their series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Advertisement The first game featured dominance from the Dodgers. They blew out one of the MLB powerhouses 18-1 on Friday night and went on to beat them 6-4 on Saturday, winning the series this weekend. Altuve reflected on the team's recent success against Los Angeles after Game 2 of the series this Saturday. He believed that putting in the effort throughout every situation he and his team were in allowed them to beat the Dodgers in convincing fashion. 'I think I show up every day, it doesn't matter where I play, to give everything I have and help my team win,' Altuve said. What's next for Jose Altuve, Astros Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images Jose Altuve and the Astros persevered through some early adversity to beat the Dodgers 6-4 on Saturday. Advertisement The Dodgers took a 2-0 lead after the first two innings of the contest. Despite that, Houston roared back with four runs in the third inning, taking solid control for the remainder of the game. The visitors outscored their opponents 6-4 from the third inning onward, getting a big win on the road. Houston's bullpen came through to contain Los Angeles' potent offense, holding them to nine hits after 36 at-bats. Framber Valdez earned the win on the Astros' behalf. He served on the mound for six innings, striking out seven batters while conceding seven hits and four runs. Houston improved to a 54-35 record on the season, boasting the top spot of the AL West Division standings. They are seven games above the Seattle Mariners and 10 games above the Texas Rangers. The Astros will prepare for the series finale against the Dodgers. The contest will take place on July 6 at 4:10 p.m. ET. Advertisement Related: Astros' Josh Hader keeps perfect save streak alive vs. Dodgers Related: Astros agree to reunion with veteran pitcher
Time of India
30-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Astros hit with brutal injury blow as Jeremy Pena lands on IL with small rib fracture
The Houston Astros have to deal with some bad news as shortstop Jeremy Pena has been placed on the 10-day injured list with a small fracture on the left side of his ribs. Jeremy Pena has been a model of consistency for the Astros, at the plate and in the field, and this is an important time of year. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This is a big loss for a now desperate roster in the American League West. How Jeremy Pena suffered a rib fracture against the Chicago Cubs Last Friday, Jeremy Pena was struck by an 89.0 mph changeup from Chicago Cubs right-hander Cade Horton. He remained in for one more at-bat before being taken out of the game after the pitch hit him on the left side. Pena has been unavailable ever since, and his status loomed over the weekend. Pena was initially listed on the day-to-day list with rib soreness, and X-rays ruled out fractures. Yet the team opted to have an MRI to be able to visualise an image, as he was suffering from harsh pain, especially when he attempted to twist his body or take a deep breath. Images revealed a minor break on the left side of his ribs, and after deliberation, the team had no choice but to make the difficult decision to place him on the injured list. How Jeremy Pena's injury affects the Astros' lineup and playoff hopes Jeremy Pena is having an All-Star type of year. The 27-year-old shortstop is batting with a glaze .322/ .378/ .489 in 82 games, with 11 homers and 15 steals. His 4.6 WAR not only approaches his top career WAR of 5.0 in his rookie season in 2022, but it also rates second in all of major league baseball (trailing only Aaron Judge's 5.9). Also Read: Without Pena, the Astros can bump utility man Mauricio Dubon into the full-time role, but even if Dubón offers defensive versatility, he does not have what Peña offers at the plate and that raises the possibility for the team to seek Triple-A call-ups or even stopgap trade options, at least depending on Pena's path forward. Manager Joe Espada classified the injury as 'minor,' but there is no firm timetable for Pena's return, and any extended absence could further complicate the Astros' playoff push.
New York Times
30-06-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Astros place Jeremy Peña on injured list with rib fracture
HOUSTON — Amid a season already defined by an avalanche of injuries, the Houston Astros must absorb another blow to their best player. Shortstop Jeremy Peña, the Astros' leadoff man and leader in almost every offensive category, will be placed on the injured list with what the team described as a small fracture on the left side of his ribs. Peña exited Friday's 7-4 win against the Chicago Cubs after being hit by an 89 mph changeup on his left side. After the game, manager Joe Espada said Peña underwent imaging that did not reveal a fracture. Peña could not play on Saturday or Sunday, prompting the team to seek more tests. An MRI and CT scan taken on Sunday revealed the fracture, according to a team announcement. The team did not disclose a timetable for Peña's return, nor did it announce a corresponding move for his roster spot. Infielders on the 40-man roster include Shay Whitcomb and Zack Short. Advertisement Peña's stint on the injured list will be retroactive to June 28, meaning the earliest he is eligible to return is a July 8 game against the Cleveland Guardians at Daikin Park. Houston will open a three-game series against the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday at Coors Field. Losing Peña for any length of time is a substantial blow to a lineup already struggling to score. Only 10 teams in baseball entered Monday with fewer runs scored than the 350 Houston has produced. Peña has driven in 40 of them, part of a prolific season that has placed him back among baseball's elite. Only Aaron Judge, Cal Raleigh and Shohei Ohtani entered Monday worth more wins above replacement than Peña, according to FanGraphs. Houston is 34-20 since Espada moved Peña atop the batting order on April 28, a stretch in which Peña is slashing .352/.402/.534. Peña leads the Astros in batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, hits and stolen bases. Playing without him will provide the toughest test yet for a team already decimated by injuries. Slugger Yordan Alvarez hasn't appeared in a game since May 2, while two members of Houston's season-opening starting rotation have already undergone Tommy John surgery. Alvarez, like Peña, is dealing with a fracture that Houston's medical staff initially did not diagnose. For about a month, the team maintained Alvarez had a 'muscle strain' at the top of his right hand before subsequent imaging revealed a fracture. Jacob Melton, Zach Dezenzo, Brendan Rodgers and Chas McCormick all remain on the injured list, too, robbing the team of what little position player depth it had when the season began. Mauricio Dubón, the American League's utility Gold Glove winner in 2023, is the most likely candidate to play shortstop in Peña's absence. Dubón started there on Saturday and Sunday in Peña's stead and should receive ample runway to play the position prior to the All-Star break. Advertisement Reimagining the lineup is a far more arduous task. Peña is one of the few sources of power and consistency in a top-heavy offense, shifting the onus to Isaac Paredes, Cam Smith and Jose Altuve to pick up the slack. How Espada configures his batting order is another matter. He could move Altuve back into the leadoff spot or stick with Paredes, who hit first on Saturday and Sunday while Peña was out.
