Trending Now - Injuries Cast Doubt on Peña's Recovery and Stephenson's Return

WHO:

Jeremy Peña, All-Star shortstop for the Houston Astros

Yordan Alvarez, Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa, Isaac Paredes, Nick Allen, Christian Walker, Robert Stephenson, Kurt Suzuki (Angels manager)

Dana Brown, general manager of the Astros

Zach Dezenzo (Italy), Shay Whitcomb (Korea), Jose Altuve (Venezuela), Carlos Correa (Puerto Rico) - other players involved in the World Baseball Classic

Rhett Bollinger, senior reporter covering the Angels

WHAT:

Peña fractured the tip of his right ring finger during an exhibition game on March 4, 2026, against the Detroit Tigers.

Peña will be evaluated in two weeks, affecting his availability for Opening Day on March 26, 2026.

Peña expressed disappointment about missing the World Baseball Classic and stated, “It sucks... Injuries are a part of the game.”

Astros manager Joe Espada indicated that Carlos Correa would see game action at shortstop during spring training.

Robert Stephenson faced hitters for the first time this spring, aiming for readiness for Opening Day.

Stephenson has dealt with elbow and forearm issues over the last two seasons and underwent Tommy John surgery in 2024.

WHERE:

West Palm Beach, Florida (Astros' spring training location)

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (location of the exhibition game)

Houston, Texas (location of the Astros' Opening Day game)

WHEN:

Peña's injury occurred on March 4, 2026.

Peña will be evaluated in two weeks, around March 18, 2026.

Astros' Opening Day is scheduled for March 26, 2026.

Stephenson's injury issues have persisted over the last two seasons, including missing the entire 2024 season.

WHY:

Peña's injury occurred while fielding a ground ball, which led to his fracture and subsequent absence from the World Baseball Classic.

The Astros are looking to acquire a left-handed-hitting outfielder to improve their lineup.

HOW:

Peña will continue baseball drills while wearing a splint on his finger.

Stephenson is refining his pitches and has not experienced any issues during spring training.

In a tough blow for the Houston Astros, All-Star shortstop Jeremy Peña fractured the tip of his right ring finger during an exhibition game against the Detroit Tigers on March 4, and he will be evaluated in two weeks, which puts his availability for Opening Day on March 26 in jeopardy. Peña expressed his disappointment about missing the World Baseball Classic, saying, “It sucks... Injuries are a part of the game,” while Astros manager Joe Espada noted that Carlos Correa would step in at shortstop during spring training. Meanwhile, Robert Stephenson is working to be ready for Opening Day after facing hitters for the first time this spring, having dealt with elbow and forearm issues over the past two seasons.