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May 18, 2026
Reinstated, batting leadoff Monday
The Astros reinstated Pena (hamstring/neck) from the 10-day injured list Monday, and he'll start at shortstop and bat leadoff in Houston's series opener in Minnesota.
Analysis
Pena will be back in action for the Astros for the first time since April 11, after a Grade 1 right hamstring strain and more recently, a stiff neck, had kept him on the shelf for just over five weeks. Prior to hitting the shelf, Pena hit .256 with four extra-base hits (all doubles), one stolen base, five runs and no RBI through his first 10 games with Houston to begin the season.
May 17, 2026
Traveling for road trip
Pena (hamstring/neck) rejoined the Astros on Sunday and will travel with the team for Monday's series opener in Minnesota, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.
Analysis
Pena missed a couple games during his rehab assignment due to a neck issue, but he returned to action for Double-A San Antonio this weekend and now appears ready to rejoin the active roster. The 28-year-old shortstop could end up taking the roster spot of Jose Altuve, who will soon be placed on the injured list after being diagnosed with an oblique strain.
May 17, 2026
Could return Monday
Pena (hamstring/neck) could be reinstated from the 10-day injured list ahead of Monday's game at Minnesota, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.
Analysis
The 28-year-old shortstop resumed his rehab assignment with Double-A Corpus Christi on Friday after neck soreness forced him to miss a couple games earlier in the week, and he could rejoin the Astros on Monday for the start of a 10-game road trip. Pena, who has been on the IL for a month due to a hamstring strain, has gone 2-for-11 with two doubles in three contests during the rehab stint.
May 14, 2026
Aiming to resume rehab Friday
Pena (hamstring/neck) hopes to resume his rehab assignment with Double-A Corpus Christi on Friday, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.
Analysis
Pena has lingering neck soreness after being involved in a collision with a runner during Tuesday's game at Corpus Christi. He'll sit out a second straight game Thursday but is aiming to return to action Friday. Pena -- who initially went on the 10-day injured list just over a month ago with a right hamstring strain -- could be activated as soon as this weekend if all goes well.
May 13, 2026
Managing neck soreness
Pena (hamstring) is dealing with neck soreness following a collision with a runner during a rehab game Tuesday, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.
Analysis
Pena's neck prevented him from working as the DH in Double-A Corpus Christi's game Wednesday, but Astros manager Joe Espada didn't seem concerned about it becoming a long-term issue. The 28-year-old infielder is expected to return to minor-league action Thursday and could make his return to Houston's lineup sometime during the weekend series against Texas.