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Albert Pujols to Interview for Astros' Managerial Job
Future Hall of Fame first baseman Albert Pujols will interview for the Houston Astros' managerial vacancy on Thursday, sources told Alden Gonzalez of ESPN. The Astros named former St. Louis Cardinals executive Randy Flores as their new general manager five days ago. Flores spent eight years in the big leagues before joining St. Louis' front office, with five of those years spent as Pujols' teammate in St. Louis, including a World Series championship in 2006. Pujols has made it clear that he has a desire to manage in the big leagues, and he won a championship in the Dominican winter league in his first season leading the Leones del Escogido in January of 2025 while also serving as the skipper for the Dominican Republic in this year's World Baseball Classic, where his squad lost to the United States in the semifinals. Pujols was a finalist for the managerial openings in the last hiring cycle with the Los Angeles Angels and San Diego Padres. New York Yankees bench coach Brad Ausmus is also among those being considered by the Astros for their managerial position.
Source: ESPN.com - Alden Gonzalez
Source: ESPN.com - Alden Gonzalez
Mike Rizzo Interviewing For Astros General Manager Job
Former Washington Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo is interviewing for the vacant Houston Astros general manager role, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today. As general manager of the Nationals, Rizzo built up the franchise and led Washington to its first-ever World Series title in 2019, defeating the Houston Astros. Rizzo and manager Dave Martinez were fired in 2025, ending Rizzo's 19-year tenure with the franchise. Rizzo was considered for the Athletics job in a similar role this offseason, but withdrew his name from consideration to focus on the Astros position, according to Nightengale.
Source: Bob Nightengale, USA Today
Source: Bob Nightengale, USA Today
Jeremy Pena on the Trade Block?
Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena could be a candidate to be traded this offseason, per Chandler Rome of The Athletic. Rome writes that Houston's "inability to extend Pena, a free agent after 2027, makes him an ideal trade candidate" this upcoming winter. Pena has missed time due to injuries in each of the past two seasons. However, he remained highly productive when healthy in 2026, hitting .277/.325/.477 with 22 home runs, 56 RBI, 82 runs scored, and 12 stolen bases across 483 plate appearances. Pena was a much better hitter at home in 2026, posting a .902 OPS in Houston compared to a .722 OPS on the road. Still, the 29-year-old's five-category potential makes him an appealing shortstop option for fantasy managers regardless of whether he remains with the Astros or gets traded ahead of 2027.
Source: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
Source: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
Joe Espada Will Not Return as Astros Manager in 2027
The Houston Astros announced on Wednesday that Joe Espada will not return as the team's manager in 2027. Espada took over in Houston in 2024 and led the Astros to a 256-229 record across his three years at the helm. The Astros won two American League West division crowns under Espada, but failed to win a single postseason game. Houston has also gotten progressively worse over the last three seasons, winning 88 games in 2024, 87 games in 2025, and 81 games this past season. Espada has already met with the Seattle Mariners about their managerial vacancy, so he could remain in the AL West.
Source: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
Source: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
Jeremy Pena Back in Astros' Lineup on Thursday
Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena (wrist) is starting at shortstop and batting leadoff for the Astros on Thursday night against the division-rival Athletics and right-hander Mason Barnett, according to MLB.com. Pena was hit by a pitch on his wrist on Tuesday against the A's and was held out as a result on Wednesday, but he is back in action for the series finale in Sacramento as the Astros try to keep pace with the Texas Rangers for the lead in the American League West division. It is great news for Houston as they look to punch their ticket to the postseason in the final week of the 2026 regular season. It would be an understatement to say that Pena has been banged up with injuries this year, but he has done well at the plate when he has been available for the 'Stros, slashing .275/.325/.469 with a .795 OPS, 20 home runs, 51 RBI, 77 runs scored, and 11 stolen bases across his 426 at-bats. Pena has gotten hot lately, too, hitting .367 with three home runs in his last 30 at-bats.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Jeremy Pena Not in Astros' Lineup on Wednesday
Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena (wrist) is not in the starting lineup for Wednesday's game on the road against the division-rival Seattle Mariners, per MLB.com. Nick Allen is getting the start at shortstop and will hit ninth against Mariners right-hander George Kirby. Pena was pulled late in Tuesday's contest against the Mariners after he was hit by a pitch on his right wrist earlier in the game. It is unclear if X-rays came back negative for the 29-year-old, so for now, fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day. Check back to see if Pena is available to return for Thursday's series opener against the division-rival Athletics in Sacramento. It is bad timing for the Astros for Pena to be dinged up with the Astros battling the Texas Rangers for the American League West division with just five games left to play. Pena has been great for Houston when he has been healthy in 2026, hitting .275/.325/.469 with 20 home runs, 51 RBI, 77 runs scored, and 10 stolen bases in 426 at-bats. Hopefully, he will be ready for the final series of the regular season this weekend in Sacramento.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Jeremy Pena Suffers Wrist Injury on Tuesday
Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena (wrist) was hit on the right wrist with a 96.4 mph sinker in Tuesday's game against the Seattle Mariners and was removed in the eighth inning, according to Chandler Rome of The Athletic. Pena attempted to stay in the contest, but he was eventually replaced by Nick Allen at shortstop after going 1-for-4 at the plate with two runs scored and two strikeouts. The Astros likely sent Pena for X-rays, and we will pass along the results when we have them. Fantasy managers will want to check back later to see if the Astros' starting shortstop will be available for Wednesday's game in Seattle against the Mariners. Losing Pena for the rest of the final week of the 2026 regular season would be a huge blow, with the Astros going into Wednesday's action tied for first in the American League West with the Texas Rangers. The 29-year-old Pena has missed time this year due to various injuries, but he has been solid when healthy, slashing .275/.325/.469 with a .795 OPS, 20 home runs, 51 RBI, 77 runs scored, and 10 stolen bases in 107 games across 461 plate appearances.
Source: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
Source: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
Carlos Correa Won't Return This Season
Houston Astros infielder Carlos Correa (ankle) will not return to the team this season, manager Joe Espada told Chandler Rome of The Athletic. It is not in the cards for Correa to return for a playoff run with the Astros after he had surgery on his ankle back in May. The 31-year-old former American League Rookie of the Year and three-time All-Star ended up playing in just 32 games (141 plate appearances) in his first full season back with the team in 2026 after he was traded back to the Astros from the Minnesota Twins last year. In his 32 games this season, Correa slashed a solid .279/.369/.418, but with only three home runs, 16 RBI, 22 runs scored, and a stolen base in his 12th year in the league. The veteran infielder is only rostered in 9% of Yahoo leagues, but the news that he will not return again in 2026 will limit the Astros' options on the infield going into the postseason. As long as Correa does not suffer a setback with his ankle in the offseason, he should be a full-go for spring training in 2027 if there is no lockout.
Source: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
Source: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
Carlos Correa to Rejoin Astros on Next Homestand
Houston Astros manager Joe Espada said that the team would like veteran infielder Carlos Correa (ankle) to play "a game or two" for Triple-A Sugar Land this week before he is activated from the 60-day injured list, according to Chandler Rome of The Athletic. It is the last week of the Triple-A regular season. Correa is scheduled to rejoin the Astros during their next homestand and visit doctors before determining the next step. The Astros begin a homestand on Tuesday against the Kansas City Royals, and it runs through Sunday, Sept. 20, in the series finale against the Atlanta Braves. When Correa is ready to return, the Astros are considering using him at second base, which would allow Jose Altuve to get off his feet and serve as the designated hitter. In his first full season in Houston since 2021, Correa has hit .279/.369/.418 with a .787 OPS, only three home runs, 16 RBI, 22 runs scored, and a stolen base in 32 games played due to injuries. Fantasy managers still playing for something should not be looking to pick Correa up this week upon his return. He is currently rostered in just 10% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
Source: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
Astros Considering Moving Carlos Correa to Second Base
According to Ken Rosenthal, the Houston Astros are considering moving third baseman Carlos Correa (ankle) over to second base. Correa has been sidelined since undergoing left ankle surgery in mid-May. The organization is hopeful that Correa will be able to return for the final week of the regular season. He has been playing third base in Houston, but the Astros would like to shift him over to second base. If Correa plays second base, Jose Altuve can serve as the designated hitter. Most fantasy leagues might end before Correa gets back to the field. If not, Correa could be worth stashing in deep leagues for the final stretch of the season.
Source: New York Times
Source: New York Times
Jeremy Pena Active After Injury Scare on Thursday Night
Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena (hand) is starting at the 6 and batting leadoff for Friday's series opener on the road against the New York Mets and right-hander Christian Scott at Citi Field, per MLB.com. Pena was hit on the left hand by a pitch in the series finale on Thursday against the New York Yankees, but he stayed in the game and even hit a home run. After X-rays came back negative, he is back in the starting nine to kick off a series in Queens against the Mets. Fantasy managers will want to keep the 28-year-old Dominican infielder in their starting lineups. He has played in only 84 games (363 plate appearances) in 2026 due to various injuries, but Pena is slashing a strong .282/.336/.477 with an .814 OPS, 16 home runs, 44 RBI, 65 runs scored, and eight stolen bases. Although Pena has two homers in his last three games, he's batting .184 (16-for-87) with four homers, four doubles, a triple, 10 RBI, 14 runs, four walks, and 31 strikeouts in 21 games in August. He has never faced Scott in his MLB career.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
X-Rays Negative on Jeremy Pena's Hand After Hit-by-Pitch
Post-game X-rays on Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena's left hand were negative, according to Chandler Rome of The Athletic. Pena was hit on the knuckle of both his pinkie and ring finger with a 96 mph fastball from New York Yankees right-hander Gerrit Cole in the top of the third inning on Friday night in the team's 5-1 win in the Bronx. Pena actually stayed in the game and went 1-for-4 at the plate with his 16th home run of the season, two RBI, and two strikeouts out of the leadoff spot for Houston. Fantasy managers should consider Pena day-to-day. Check back on Friday to see if the Astros give him a day off in the series opener in Queens against the New York Mets. The 28-year-old Dominican has been beat up by various injuries in 2026, but when active, he's been a solid fantasy shortstop, as he entered Thursday's tilt with a .283/.335/.471 slash line, .806 OPS, 15 homers, 43 RBI, 63 runs scored, and eight stolen bases across his 392 at-bats in his fifth year in the majors. Pena has now gone deep in two of his last three games.
Source: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
Source: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
Jeremy Pena Leaves Early Wednesday With "Right-Hand Contusion"
According to the Houston Astros, shortstop Jeremy Pena (hand) left Wednesday's game early against the division-rival Los Angeles Angels due to a "right-hand contusion" after he was hit by a pitch in the first inning. Pena tried to stay in the game but was eventually replaced by pinch-hitter Nick Allen, who also took over for Pena at shortstop. It sounds like the 28-year-old avoided a fracture to his hand, so fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day for now. His next chance to return to the starting lineup will be for Thursday's series finale at Daikin Park against the Halos. Pena came into Wednesday's contest having played in only 78 games in 2026 due to various injuries, but he has hit a strong .284/.339/.471 with an .810 OPS, 14 home runs, 40 RBI, 59 runs scored, and eight stolen bases for the Astros. If Pena misses any more time, Allen will likely be the one to take over at shortstop in Houston. Since the All-Star break, Pena has hit .278 (32-for-115) with an .873 OPS, eight home runs, five doubles, a triple, 18 RBI, and 24 runs scored.
Source: Houston Chronicle - Matt Kawahara
Source: Houston Chronicle - Matt Kawahara
Jeremy Pena has Homered Five Times in his Last Six Games
Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena continued his power surge in Sunday's 12-3 blowout loss on the road against the Chicago White Sox, going 2-for-4 out of the leadoff spot with two solo home runs, both against White Sox starter Erick Fedde. The 28-year-old shortstop now has five home runs in his last six games to boost his overall slash line in 2026 to .319/.373/.504 with an .878 OPS, 11 home runs, 30 RBI, 47 runs scored, and eight stolen bases across his 226 at-bats. In his last six games, the Dominican shortstop has gone 13-for-26 (.500) with five dingers, eight RBI, and 10 runs scored. Pena isn't known as a huge power option at the position, but his fantasy managers will take it, especially since he has missed valuable time in 2026 with several different injuries. In a small sample size of 11 games and 47 plate appearances so far in July, Pena is hitting a red-hot .419 (18-for-43) with five home runs, nine RBI, and 13 runs scored for the Astros. He's obviously a must-start in all traditional fantasy baseball leagues while he's rolling offensively.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Jeremy Pena Back in Astros Lineup for Series Opener
Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena (hamstring) is starting at the 6 and batting in his usual leadoff spot for Monday's series opener at home against the visiting Miami Marlins and right-hander Janson Junk, according to MLB.com. Pena was pulled as a precaution in Saturday's game against the Baltimore Orioles due to cramps in his right hamstring, and he was given the day off in Sunday's series finale. Now that the 28-year-old is back in action to begin the new week, fantasy managers should return him to their starting lineups in traditional formats. Pena has gone 5-for-17 (.294) with an RBI and three runs scored in five games since returning from the injured list, and the Dominican shortstop is slashing .295/.359/.430 with a .789 OPS, six home runs, 22 RBI, 37 runs scored, and eight stolen bases across an even 200 at-bats in 2026. Since the start of June, he's hitting .315 (34-for-108) with an .835 OPS, three homers, five doubles, 14 RBI, 22 runs scored, and five stolen bases in 30 games and 123 plate appearances. Pena has never faced Junk.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
