The Houston Astros have been one of the most injury-plagued teams in baseball this season and it has shown in the standings. A trend from last season they were trying to avoid but so far eerily similar.
Sitting at 16-25 through 41 games the Astros desperately need reinforcements.
The good news is that several key players are expected to return this month. Here are three to keep an eye on.
1. Jeremy Peña: Shortstop
Peña has been on the injured list since April 13 with a Grade 1 right hamstring strain and his return is more crucial than ever. With Carlos Correa now out for the season after suffering a torn ankle tendon Houston needs Peña back in the lineup. The 2025 All-Star was working toward running the bases in Cincinnati this weekend which would be the final hurdle before a minor league rehab assignment. A mid-May return looks realistic and would be a massive boost to the lineup and infield defense.
2. Josh Hader: Closer
Hader has been dealing with left biceps tendinitis since the start of spring training and was transferred to the 60-day IL on April 17. The earliest he can return is May 24 and that is currently the target. He already made his first rehab appearance with Triple-A Sugar Land and reportedly seems to be getting right back on track. His velocity is trending in the right direction and he has several more rehab outings planned before stepping back on the major league mound. Bryan Abreu has held things together in the closer role but there is no replacing what Hader brings to the back of the bullpen. Especially when the bullpen has been overused frequently.
3. Tatsuya Imai: Starting Pitcher
It has been a rocky start for Imai in his first MLB season and getting him back healthy and productive is important for a rotation that has been stretched thin. He was supposed to be one of the most clutch additions and so far hasn't done much. After battling arm fatigue and command issues Imai made a more encouraging rehab start for Triple-A Sugar Land and is expected to return during the May 11-14 series against the Mariners. Command is still a concern but the Astros need to see what he has at the big league level. Settling in and adjusting to the American lifestyle has reportedly been a challenge for Imai but now that some time has passed maybe that adjustment period is coming to an end and he can get back to dominating on the mound and show why the Astros brought him in in the first place.
With so many key players on the mend May could be a turning point for Houston.