Breakdown
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26 maart 2026
Not in lineup for opener
Pena (finger) is not in the lineup for Thursday's opener against the Angels.
Analysis
Per Chandler Rome of The Athletic, Pena has progressed enough in his recovery from a fractured right ring finger to avoid the 10-day injured list, but he's not quite ready to play in major-league games. Pena is at the Astros' nearby Triple-A Sugar Land affiliate Thursday morning getting in some live at-bats, and it's unclear whether he will be available off the bench Thursday or if Houston will play a man short. Consider him day-to-day for the time being. With Pena out, Carlos Correa will slide over to shortstop and Isaac Paredes will start at third base.
25 maart 2026
All clear for Opening Day
The Astros announced Wednesday that Pena (finger) will be part of their Opening Day roster, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.
Analysis
Pena fractured his right ring finger in early March and was held out of game action until playing in an exhibition contest Tuesday. The 28-year-old slugged a home run in that game and appears ready to roll for Thursday's opener against the Angels. Pena is set to start at shortstop and bat leadoff for Houston this season.
24 maart 2026
To play shortstop Tuesday
Pena (finger) is slated to play shortstop during Tuesday's exhibition, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.
Analysis
Pena was cleared for batting practice Monday, and the fact that he's been given the green light to see game action Tuesday is a clear sign he's progressing. If he's able to make it through Tuesday's exhibition without issue, there is certainly a chance he could see his name in the starting lineup for Thursday's opener against the Angels.
23 maart 2026
Takes batting practice Monday
Pena (finger) took batting practice on the field at Daikin Park in Houston on Monday, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.
Analysis
Pena traveling with the Astros to Houston rather than stay back in extended spring training is certainly a good sign as he attempts to avoid the injured list and be in the Opening Day lineup. The 28-year-old has not played in a game setting since fracturing his right ring finger in an exhibition contest nearly three weeks ago. If the Astros decide to give Pena more time to heal, they will use Carlos Correa at shortstop and Isaac Paredes at third base.
22 maart 2026
Still in play for Opening Day
Manager Joe Espada said that Pena (finger) is scheduled to hit again Sunday, and the Astros are still discussing whether he will travel with the team back to Houston in advance of Opening Day, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.
Analysis
The 28-year-old shortstop was cleared to resume swinging a bat Friday as he continues working his way back from a fracture in the tip of his right ring finger. Pena still has a chance of being cleared for Thursday's season opener versus the Angels, but he'll likely need to face live pitching at some point early this week to avoid a stint on the injured list to begin the season.
21 maart 2026
Swinging bat
Pena (finger) began swinging a bat Friday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.
Analysis
The Astros still haven't ruled Pena out for Opening Day, and his ability to hold/swing a bat without aggravating his fractured finger will likely be a key factor in determining his availability. If the team decides it's best to hold him out, Carlos Correa would presumably slide over to shortstop while Isaac Paredes mans the hot corner.
