Jeremy Peña Returns to Astros Lineup as Christian Walker Sits Out Again

On Monday night the Houston Astros finally got the green light to slot Jeremy Peña back into the everyday shortstop spot, a move that felt almost inevitable after a week of limping around the roster. Peña had left Saturday’s loss to the Orioles in the fourth inning with a right‑hamstring cramp, and he watched from the dugout as the club fell to Baltimore on Sunday.

“He’s doing baseball activities right now… hopefully he’s able to come off the bench and help if we need him to,” manager Joe Espada said, a hint of relief evident in his voice. Peña, who’s batting .295 with six homers and 22 RBIs in just 53 games, looks like the spark the lineup has been missing.

Unfortunately for Houston, Christian Walker will not be taking the field either. The power‑hitting first baseman left Saturday’s game early with a tight right hip, and the team announced he’ll sit out his second straight contest. Walker’s numbers this season – a .234 average, 20 home runs and 58 RBIs – underline why his absence is felt.

Roster shuffling continued after the injuries. Ronel Blanco and Bennett Sousa were both cleared from the 60‑day injured list, giving the Astros a little extra depth. Blanco, making his comeback 13 months after Tommy John surgery, posted a 13‑6 record and a 2.80 ERA in 2024 – the second‑best ERA in the American League that year. Sousa, who missed time with left‑elbow inflammation, is back hoping to regain his rhythm.

Meanwhile, right‑hander Bryan King and infielder Raynel Delgado were optioned to Triple‑A, a routine move to keep the roster flexible. As the Astros head into the series opener against the Miami Marlins, the hope is that Peña’s return steadies the defense while the bench continues to fill the gaps left by Walker’s lingering hip issue.