Jeremy Peña to make season debut on Friday
Astros All-Star shortstop Jeremy Peña will make his season debut on Friday against the Los Angeles Angels after missing Opening Day due to his recovery from a fractured right index finger. Peña suffered the injury playing for the Dominican Republic in an exhibition game leading up to the World Baseball Classic. He was healthy enough to be included on the Astros’ Opening Day roster and spent Thursday facing live pitching with the Astros Triple-A affiliate in Sugar Land, TX.
“He feels good. He’s excited to be back in the lineup. We’re all excited to have him back in the lineup,” Astros manager Joe Espada said.
Espada said Peña’s availability for Saturday’s game will hinge on how he feels after Friday’s game. Peña hit a home run while playing in Tuesday’s exhibition against Sugar Land at Daikin Park. Peña, 28, finished last season batting .
304 with 17 home runs and 62 RBI in 125 games with 20 stolen bases. He was selected to his first All-Star Game and finished 10 th in American League MVP voting.