Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña is progressing toward a return to the diamond.
Peña originally landed on the 10-day injured list a few days ago with a small fracture in his left ribs after being hit by a pitch. He stayed in the game last Friday for a couple of innings but was later removed.
But, it is not all bad news for the Astros’ rising star. Here is the latest via Chandler Rome of The Athletic:
Jeremy Peña is not doing baseball activities yet, but GM Dana Brown said he could resume them this weekend in Los Angeles.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) July 3, 2025
The injury could not have come at a worse time for Houston and Peña. The 27-year-old has been enjoying a breakout during his fourth campaign with the Astros. He has a .322 batting average, an .867 OPS, a 142 OPS+, 11 home runs, 40 RBIs, 15 stolen bases, and a 20:55 BB:K ratio.
Peña has been an intriguing piece for Houston since his 2022 debut, winning both the American League Championship Series and World Series MVP honors. However, after three years of a combined 47 home runs, a .261 batting average, a .707 OPS, and a 99 OPS+, Peña appeared destined for a good, albeit not particularly special career.
2025 has been a different story, and perhaps Peña knows he has to play his best ball in a contract year. He will not be an unrestricted free agent until the 2028 offseason, but his performance at the plate, coupled with terrific defense and excellent base running, makes him due for a significant payday.
Peña also recently hired Scott Boras as his agent, another telltale sign of incoming money.
In a twisted silver lining, Peña’s injury could knock off some of that total value, but the Astros are always focused on this year, and his imminent return will help their quest for another AL West title.