The Houston Astros were busy at the trade deadline, swinging deals for Jesus Sanchez and Carlos Correa, along with Ramon Urias, the day prior. But the Astros were still waiting for good news on their injured players, and they got it the day after the deadline.
Ahead of their series against the Boston Red Sox, the Astros announced that breakout shortstop Jeremy Pena was activated off the injured list and will start for the Astros against the Red Sox.
We have made several roster moves today after yesterday’s trade deadline: pic.twitter.com/foGFYhXOMp
— Houston Astros (@astros) August 1, 2025
It's incredible news for the Astros, as Pena has finally recovered from a rib injury. Combined with the return of Correa, the left side of the infield has been dramatically improved from where it was before the trade deadline.
While Correa has had his struggles this season, Pena has been breaking out. The 27-year-old, who is slated to earn a huge payday after the 2027 season, earned his first All-Star nod this season for his incredible play in the first half.
Through 82 games, Pena had a .322 batting average with a .867 OPS, the highest on the Astros this season. His 140 OPS+ is a career high by 38 percent, as his previous best was a 102 OPS+.
MORE: Astros agree to blockbuster trade with Twins for Carlos Correa
He was on pace for career bests in every category before his injury, and he still has a chance to set those personal bests this season. He has 102 hits, 48 runs scored, 18 doubles, one triple, 11 home runs, 40 RBIs, 15 stolen bases, 20 walks, and 55 strikeouts.
His production has been sorely missed, especially with the injuries to a large portion of the rest of the roster. Yordan Alvarez, Jake Meyers, and Isaac Paredes are all missing significant time. Pena is the first to return from injury, and he's an important one.
Pena's return to the lineup is a huge addition for the Astros. He'd been out since the end of June, and over a month later, he's making his return to the lineup.
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