HOUSTON — For the second time in the season’s first three months, Houston Astros shortstop and leadoff hitter Jeremy Peña is headed to the injured list with a lower leg injury.Peña has a left calf strain that, according to manager Joe Espada, should require a “hopefully minimum stint” on the IL. Earlier this season, Peña missed 32 games with a right hamstring strain.It is unclear when Peña sustained his calf injury. He played shortstop for all 10 innings of Sunday’s 7-5 win against the Detroit Tigers, reached base once and never appeared in any obvious discomfort. Peña was not available for comment before or after Monday’s 5-4 loss against the Minnesota Twins.Prior to the game, Espada said Peña reported to the ballpark with “left leg discomfort,” which kept him out of the starting lineup. Peña underwent testing with team doctors on Monday afternoon, Espada said.Losing Peña will weaken an already top-heavy Astros offense while interrupting an impressive, albeit injury-riddled season from the 28-year-old shortstop. Peña fractured the tip of his right ring finger in March, and though he didn’t require a trip to the injured list, was still limited in his availability at the beginning of the season.
Astros’ Jeremy Peña to go on IL, weakening a top-heavy offense
At 42-45, the Astros are three games under .500. However, the AL West is still within reach.









