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Jeremy Pena Takes Live Batting Practice, "Getting Close" to Rehab Assignment
Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena (hamstring) took live batting practice on Tuesday and faced left-handed closer Josh Hader (biceps) in Houston, manager Joe Espada told Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle. Pena may be "getting close" to going on a minor-league rehab assignment, per Espada. It's been an injury-plagued year for Pena so far in 2026, as he was also recovering from a fractured finger that he suffered in March at the start of the regular season. He played in 10 games for the Astros, going 11-for-43 (.256) with a stolen base before landing on the 10-day injured list with a right-hamstring strain. Pena's injury has opened up consistent playing time for Isaac Paredes at third base, with veteran Carlos Correa shifting over to cover the 6 in Houston. Now that he has been cleared to face live pitching, though, Pena isn't far off from a rehab assignment. Barring a setback once he resumes playing in games, Pena could rejoin the big-league roster in early May. When healthy, Pena is the Astros' starting shortstop. He was a first-time All-Star in 2025, when he came just three homers shy of his first 20-20 season in the big leagues. Pena is rostered in 82% of Yahoo leagues right now as he nears his return.
Source: Houston Chronicle - Matt Kawahara
Source: Houston Chronicle - Matt Kawahara
