Astros’ Jeremy Peña Suffers Finger Fracture, Will Miss First Round of World Baseball Classic
Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña suffered a fractured finger Wednesday during a World Baseball Classic exhibition game in Santo Domingo and will miss at least the tournament’s first round.
Peña, playing for the Dominican Republic in a World Baseball Classic exhibition against the Detroit Tigers in Santo Domingo, exited after a ground ball took a bad hop off the bag and struck him on the fingertip in the third inning. Peña completed the throw to first base and briefly stayed in the game, even returning to the plate for another at-bat before being removed as a precaution.
Reports emerging from the Dominican Republic later confirmed what Astros fans feared: Peña suffered a fractured tip of his right ring finger.
According to journalist Dionisio Soldevila, Peña will miss at least the first round of the World Baseball Classic. He is scheduled to see a hand specialist on Friday and will be reevaluated in two weeks.
“We’ll know more tomorrow when we get some X-rays,” Astros GM Dana Brown said. “He was fielding a ground ball, and the ball took a hop off the bag and hit his fingertip.”
Tough Timing for Dominican Republic and Houston
The injury comes just days after Peña left Astros camp to join the Dominican Republic roster in Miami. The 28-year-old was projected to serve as the team’s starting shortstop and a key part of the infield.
For Houston, the bigger question is whether the injury could affect Opening Day availability.
Peña is coming off the best season of his career, posting a .304/.363/.477 slash line with 17 home runs, 20 stolen bases, and 62 RBI in 125 games during the 2025 season. The performance earned him his first All-Star selection and the Astros’ team MVP award.
However, injuries interrupted that season as well. Peña previously missed time with a fractured rib and a late-season oblique strain, both of which contributed to Houston narrowly missing the postseason.
A finger fracture now raises another concern about his availability heading into the 2026 campaign.
Astros’ Infield Contingency Plans
If Peña cannot return in time for Opening Day, Houston does have internal options.
Carlos Correa could shift back to shortstop, with Isaac Paredes sliding to third base, a defensive alignment the Astros have used before. Nick Allen, acquired from Atlanta during the offseason and currently out of minor league options, could also factor into the infield depth picture.
For now, the Astros are hoping the fracture proves minor. The fact that Peña finished the play and briefly remained in the game offers at least a small measure of optimism.
The Astros are hopeful the fracture is minor and expect to have a clearer timeline for Peña after Friday’s MRI.
