We are already halfway through Spring Training, and the regular season is quickly approaching, with players adjusting to positions, refining their swings, and ramping up their pitching routines. Here is an Astros update, highlighting key injuries and lineup implications.
Injuries
Jeremy Peña suffered a finger injury while representing the Dominican Republic earlier this week in preparation for the World Baseball Classic. He fielded a ground ball off the bat of Wenceel Pérez behind second base. He was about to make the throw to first for the out, but after the play, he looked down at his hand. The ball reportedly hit his fingernail, causing it to bleed.
Peña’s injury has been confirmed as a fracture at the tip of his right ring finger, and the healing timeline remains uncertain. Peña and the Astros are aiming for him to be ready for Opening Day. There is, however, no guarantee he will be fully healed in time. While it is unknown when Peña will be back on the field, the question now becomes: what happens if he is not ready to start Opening Day, and how will the Astros adjust their roster?
Josh Hader started Spring Training throwing lightly and from flat ground. After a few weeks, he was not showing much progress. As of now, things are looking better. He threw his first bullpen session of camp this week as part of his biceps inflammation recovery, a positive sign for the closer, but his Opening Day status is still unclear.
Carlos Correa was scratched from the lineup last week against the Nationals due to neck stiffness. However, he has since resumed shortstop reps and practice, which means Peña's position is covered for now.
In addition to Peña, Hader, and Correa, pitchers Enyel De Los Santos and Nate Pearson are listed as questionable or in recovery phases heading into Spring Training, though no major setbacks have been reported.
Lineup Implications
With Peña possibly out for Opening Day, the projected lineup looks a little different than anticipated. Luckily for the Astros, they have a plethora of versatile players ready to step in. This injury opens a potential role for Isaac Paredes at third base if Peña cannot start, with Carlos Correa expected to shift from third to shortstop.
As Spring Training continues, the Astros will be keeping a close eye on these players, hoping to have everyone healthy and ready to start the season strong.