Things were looking good for the Houston Astros. June was actually picture-perfect for them—no series losses, the best record in baseball, and Jeremy Pena playing like an All-Star. But then Sunday happened, and everything is looking like a mess now.
Just after manager Joe Espada simply downplayed Peña’s situation as being “still a little sore” and that there was “no need to rush,” after Peña missed a second straight game, the Astros dropped a truth bomb on X. Peña has a small rib fracture and is heading to the injured list. And that was enough to get the Astros fans in a rush and anxious.
And honestly, can you blame the fans, because Pena was having such a stellar season? Actually, he was having the season! Through 82 games, he was hitting. 322 with an .867 OPS, 11 home runs, 15 stolen bases, and undoubtedly the slickest defense in the league. And now he is hurt, and hurt bad.
Update on Jeremy Peña: pic.twitter.com/jfCsCUKWFx
— Houston Astros (@astros) June 30, 2025
This is bad news, because Jeremy Peña fans remembered his 2022 World Series MVP run with the games. After all, that’s the level he has been playing at. Infact, this version seems to be more refined at the plate, too. And to make matters worse, the Houston Astros haven’t gotten better anywhere else either. Jose Altuve has been off his game and out of his position. Christian Walker’s huge contract is looking kind of like a mistake, and Yordan Alvarez simply can’t seem to stay healthy. He has played just 29 games, and so ultimately, Pena was their rock.
Now he is out, and it stings even more because Espada made it seem like everything was in control. Just soreness, nothing to worry about, and boom—a broken rib. Classic, right?
The post Panic Hits Astros Fans as Jeremy Peña Sidelined Hours After Joe Espada Downplayed Injury appeared first on EssentiallySports.
