Jeremy Pena was an early exit during the second game of the Houston Astros’ doubleheader against the Minnesota Twins on Thursday.
The rookie shortstop opened up the contest on a promising note, notching hits in each of his first three at-bats. On his third hit of the game, Pena recorded a single and was then able to reach second base following a throwing error by Twins relief pitcher Caleb Thielbar.
No word on Jeremy Peña's injury, but here is where he could have got hurt. pic.twitter.com/qXASkWtphf
— Michael Schwab (@michaelschwab13) May 12, 2022
Pena was later shown grabbing his right knee after he reached second base with relative ease.
Astros SS Jeremy Peña left today’s game with an unspecified injury.
Here’s Peña testing his right knee in the 4th inning: pic.twitter.com/qVzNhcBWuJ
— Ari Alexander (@AriA1exander) May 12, 2022
Upon the conclusion of the top half of the inning, Pena touched base with Astros manager Dusty Baker, and the decision was then made to remove him from the matchup. The reigning American League-winning manager opted to slot in Aledmys Diaz to replace Pena at the shortstop position.
The Astros later provided a notable update on Pena’s injury, where they noted that the first-year major leaguer is day-to-day due to right knee discomfort. Pena finished the day with three hits and one run scored, as he now boasts a .276 batting average on the season.
Pena did add after the Astros' 5-0 win over the Twins that his knee is “good” and that the call to remove him from the game was a precautionary one.
Overall, Pena has emerged as one of the Astros’ most reliable hitters in their lineup. He featured in 30 of their opening 32 games of the campaign, where he logged six home runs. This comes after plenty of high expectations were placed on him at the start of the campaign following Carlos Correa’s free agent move to the Twins.
Houston will be opening up a three-game road series against the Washington Nationals this weekend.
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