Heading into their series finale in a pivotal set of games against a divisional rival, the Houston Astros were dealt another unfortunate injury report.
Houston is brushing the edge of the AL postseason picture. With just seven games left in the regular season, they have just a half-game lead on the Cleveland Guardians for the last spot in the Wild Card.
The late-season problem has come in the form of injuries, and the Astros were dealt another one before their game on Sunday.
Astros' Jeremy Pena gets late scratch from lineup before game vs. Mariners
Before their game against the Seattle Mariners on Sunday, Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena was scratched from the lineup.
Pena, 27, appears to be dealing with a sore left oblique. He was set to bat leadoff for the Astros on Sunday, but will be replaced by Mauricio Dubon, MLB insider Shannon Drayer reported.
This will be the second crucial injury the Astros have dealt with this week. Outfielder Yordan Alvarez was placed on the injured list for the second time this season after suffering a sprained ankle on Sept. 19 in their game against the Texas Rangers.
The young shortstop has been one of the shining lights for the Astros in 2025, but injuries have been a problem for him in the final few months of the regular season.
Through 125 games, Pena has a .304 batting average, .363 on-base percentage, .477 slugging percentage, and a .840 OPS while hitting 17 home runs, 62 RBI, and stealing 20 bases.
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