Despite yesterday's loss to the White Sox, Jeremy Peña has been on fire for the Astros since returning from the IL. Peña has been matching or setting career highs and coming in clutch when it matters. He has turned up the heat the last few games.
Jeremy Peña has been on an absolute tear over his last eight games. Hits in all eight games, including five home runs in that span. A player who dealt with three separate injuries this season is now one of the hottest hitters in baseball. An incredible performance by the shortstop lately.
Here is a look at the numbers over the last eight games for Peña, per MLB:
- Eight game hitting streak
- Hits in 14 of his last 15 games
- Five home runs in that stretch
- 11 home runs on the season overall
And those aren't even all of the highlights.
He hit a grand slam against the Marlins Monday, July 21. He had a leadoff homer Tuesday, July 22. He hit another home run Wednesday, July 23. He had three hits Saturday, July 25, against the White Sox. Then he had two solo homers Sunday, July 26, against the White Sox. That is five home runs across two series. That is some Yordan Alvarez behavior.
Peña dealt with three separate injuries this season, making this stretch all the more impressive. He had a broken right ring finger in spring training. Then a right hamstring strain that cost him over a month. Followed up with a left calf strain that cost him nine games. He has come back from each one stronger.
The Astros are a completely different team when Peña is healthy and producing. Yordan Alvarez no longer has to carry the offense on his shoulders when Peña is producing especially at this level. Even better, Peña's presence at the top of the lineup makes Alvarez even more dangerous. The Astros went 5-2 over the last two series with Peña leading the way and setting the tone.
If Peña can stay healthy the Astros have a real shot at the playoffs. Peña, Alvarez, and Paredes hitting in that order is a lineup that can do some real damage. Jeremy Peña has shown all season he can bounce back from adversity, and continues to do so. Right now he is as hot as anyone in baseball, and if he keeps this up, Houston's playoff push just got a lot more interesting.
