Houston Astros News

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Jose Altuve • 2B • Astros

Astros Put Jose Altuve on Injured List With Oblique Strain

The Houston Astros placed second baseman Jose Altuve (oblique) on the 10-day injured list on Monday with a left-oblique strain, according to Chandler Rome of The Athletic. In a corresponding move, shortstop Jeremy Pena (hamstring, neck) was reinstated from the 10-day IL. Altuve suffered a Grade 2 oblique strain while swinging on Saturday against the division-rival Texas Rangers and could miss anywhere from four to six weeks, so fantasy managers definitely shouldn't expect a quick recovery for the veteran second baseman. Braden Shewmake made the start at the keystone for the Astros in Monday's series opener in Minnesota against the Twins, but Brice Matthews could also see more playing time at second until Altuve is fully healed. Despite a mediocre start to his 2026 season, Altuve should be held in all fantasy baseball formats. The former MVP, nine-time All-Star, and seven-time Silver Slugger winner heads to the IL with a .245/.326/.380 slash line, .706 OPS, only four home runs, 12 RBI, 27 runs scored, and a steal in his 163 at-bats.

6 hours ago

Jeremy Peña • SS • Astros

Jeremy Pena Reinstated and Starting on Monday Against Twins

Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena (hamstring, neck) has been reinstated from the 10-day injured list on Monday before the series opener against the hosting Minnesota Twins. Pena is at shortstop and will bat leadoff against Twins left-hander Kendry Rojas at Target Field. Pena initially landed on the injured list on April 11 with a Grade 1 right-hamstring strain before being bothered by a sore neck due to a collision with a runner while on his minor-league rehab assignment last week. Now that the 28-year-old Dominican infielder is back, he will return to primary starting duties at the 6 in Houston. Pena was hitting .256/.304/.349 with a .653 OPS, no home runs, no RBI, five runs scored, and a stolen base in his first 43 at-bats with the Astros in 2026 before going on the shelf. Injuries have plagued him so far this year, but he was a first-time All-Star in 2025 and finished just three home runs shy of his first 20-20 campaign. Pena is available in 20% of Yahoo leagues.

10 hours ago

Mike Burrows • SP • Astros

Is Mike Burrows Still Worth Targeting on the Waiver Wire in Deeper Leagues?

Houston Astros starting pitcher Mike Burrows had a rough outing in his most recent appearance on Thursday against the Seattle Mariners, allowing eight hits and seven earned runs across 5 2/3 innings of work. The 26-year-old's overall line in his first season in Houston isn't pretty either, as he's recorded a 2-5 record with a 5.72 ERA, 1.53 WHIP, and 46 strikeouts across 50 1/3 innings (nine starts). However, Burrows looked like he might be figuring some things out before his most recent hiccup. Across three starts leading into the Seattle game, Burrows allowed just five earned runs while striking out 17 across 18 innings. The right-hander's 3.92 xERA suggests he has run into some bad luck so far this season after he recorded a 3.94 ERA and 1.24 WHIP across 96 1/3 innings with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2025. In deeper leagues, Burrows could have buy-low appeal on the waiver wire ahead of his next scheduled start on Wednesday in Minnesota against the Twins.

12 hours ago

Brice Matthews • CF • Astros

Brice Matthews Still Worth Targeting Off the Waiver Wire?

Houston Astros outfielder Brice Matthews has been quiet at the plate in May and may no longer be worth holding in mixed fantasy leagues. In 16 games in May, Matthews has gone 11-for-55 (.200) with two home runs, five RBI, six runs scored, a stolen base, three walks, and 14 strikeouts across 59 plate appearances. He has not homered since May 6 and is barely over the Mendoza Line (.204) on the year with four long balls, 13 RBI, 12 runs scored, and two stolen bases in 39 games in just his second season in the big leagues. Matthews also struggled in a small sample size of 13 games in his first taste of major-league pitching in 2025, going 7-for-42 (.167), although he did hit four home runs while driving in nine, scoring six runs, and stealing one base. Three of the 24-year-old's home runs so far in 2026 came during a nine-game stretch, but outside of that, he just hasn't been consistent enough to warrant a roster spot in mixed leagues. Matthews is currently rostered in only 3% of Yahoo leagues.

14 hours ago

Hunter Brown • SP • Astros

Astros Planning on Mid-June Return for Hunter Brown

Houston Astros general manager Dana Brown said the team's plan for starting pitcher Hunter Brown (shoulder) is to have him return "some time in mid-June," per Chandler Rome of The Athletic. Brown has been on the injured list since early April due to a Grade 2 right shoulder strain. The 27-year-old has progressed to throwing bullpens, but apparently remains about a month away from his return to the big leagues. Brown was one of the better pitchers in baseball in 2025, recording a 12-9 record with a 2.43 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and 206 strikeouts across 185 1/3 innings (31 starts). He racked up 17 strikeouts across 10 2/3 innings (two starts) before hitting the injured list in 2026. Upon Brown's return to Houston, he profiles as a must-start pitcher across all fantasy formats.

Yesterday

Jeremy Peña • SS • Astros

Jeremy Pena Could Rejoin Astros on Monday

Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena (hamstring, neck) could come off the 10-day injured list and rejoin the team on Monday for the start of their series against the Minnesota Twins, according to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. Pena has been on the IL for a month due to a hamstring strain, and then he collided with a baserunner earlier this week on his minor-league rehab assignment with Double-A Corpus Christi and missed a few games due to neck soreness. He was able to return to action on Friday, though, and he appears to be ready to rejoin the big-league roster after going 2-for-11 with two doubles in three rehab games with the Hooks. It's great news for a struggling Astros team that has already lost veteran infielder Carlos Correa (ankle) for the rest of the season. The 28-year-old Pena has only played in 10 games so far in 2026 due to injuries, going 11-for-43 (.256) with no homers, a stolen base, and five runs scored. He will be an everyday player at the 6 in Houston after missing his first 20-20 season in 2025 by three home runs. Pena is only available in 20% of Yahoo leagues.

Yesterday

Bryan Abreu • RP • Astros

Bryan Abreu Earns Save, Ready to Reclaim Closer Job?

Houston Astros relief pitcher Bryan Abreu was asked to close down Saturday's game against the Texas Rangers. Abreu has struggled in the closer role this season, but put together a nice outing on Saturday. He tossed 1.1 scoreless innings while allowing one hit and a walk on his way to earn his second save of the season. Abreu could be back in the mix for saves, but will still need to compete with Bryan King and Enyel De Los Santos for saves. Also, Josh Hader (biceps) is hopefully going to be cleared to return from the 60-day Injured List soon. Abreu could be worth an add in deep leagues, but probably won't have long-term value.

Yesterday

Josh Hader • RP • Astros

Josh Hader Needs Five More Rehab Outings

The Athletic's Chandler Rome reports that Houston Astros left-handed closer Josh Hader (biceps) needs five more minor-league rehab outings, manager Joe Espada told Chandler Rome of The Athletic. Hader will not come off the 60-day injured list when he's first eligible on May 24, but it's only due to the calendar they have set for his final five rehab appearances. The hard-throwing southpaw reliever has already appeared in four rehab games with Triple-A Sugar Land and Double-A Corpus Christi, tossing four shutout innings with three hits allowed, one walk, and six strikeouts. We most likely won't see Hader make his debut until sometime in the final week of May or in early June, but that doesn't mean he shouldn't be stashed in most fantasy baseball leagues already. Once activated, the 32-year-old six-time All-Star should immediately slot back in as the Astros' primary closer. Bryan King has become the favorite for saves in Houston with Hader sidelined, although Bryan Abreu picked up his second save of the year in Saturday's win over the Texas Rangers. Hader is currently rostered in 88% of Yahoo leagues.

2 days ago

Jose Altuve • 2B • Astros

Jose Altuve Exits After Swing

Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (side) appeared to injure himself during the team's win over the Texas Rangers on Saturday. Altuve grounded into a double play in the eighth inning, and he experienced so much discomfort in his left side that he didn't even bother running to first base after his swing. Following the game, manager Joe Espada confirmed that the veteran infielder will undergo additional imaging. He finished the game 1-for-4 with his fourth homer of the season. Fans and fantasy managers will hope the injury isn't too severe, as he has historically been one of the best hitters in baseball. Once he does get back into the lineup, he'll look to improve upon a modest start that includes a .245/.326/.380 slash line with a 10.3% walk rate and an 18.9% strikeout rate.

2 days ago

Josh Hader • RP • Astros

Josh Hader Throws Clean Inning in Rehab Outing at Double-A

Houston Astros left-handed closer Josh Hader (biceps) threw a scoreless inning with one hit allowed, no walks, and two strikeouts on Friday with Double-A Corpus Christi in his minor-league rehab outing. Hader has now made four rehab appearances on the farm and has not allowed a run while giving up three hits, walking one, and striking out six in four innings of work. The 32-year-old six-time All-Star has yet to pitch in the majors in 2026 due to left biceps tendinitis, but the veteran southpaw is getting closer to being activated from the 60-day injured list to rejoin Houston's bullpen. Hader won't officially be eligible for reinstatement from the IL until later this month, but barring a setback on his rehab assignment, he should be ready to return when he's eligible. Despite injury issues since last year, Hader should immediately take over as the Astros' primary ninth-inning arm, making him stash-worthy in all fantasy formats where he's currently available. He's currently rostered in 88% of Yahoo leagues. Until Hader returns, Bryan King should continue to get save opportunities in Houston.

2 days ago

Bryan King • RP • Astros

Bryan King Tallies Five-Out Save on Friday, Emerging as Houston's No. 1 Closer?

Houston Astros left-hander Bryan King notched his fourth save of the season on Friday, working 1 2/3 scoreless innings without allowing a baserunner in his team's 2-0 win over the Texas Rangers. It was a nice bounce-back outing for King, who had blown a save in his most recent appearance on Wednesday against the Seattle Mariners. King has been steady overall this season for Houston, recording a 3.26 ERA and 1.34 WHIP with 16 strikeouts across 19 2/3 innings. While King's 19% strikeout rate is not in line with typical closer dominance, he appears to have seized the ninth-inning role in Houston with Astros closer Josh Hader (biceps) on the 60-day injured list due to a biceps injury. Hader could be close to making his return when first eligible in late May, so King's time as the closer in Houston may be short-lived. Still, King offers short-term value on the waiver wire for fantasy managers in desperate need of saves.

2 days ago

Jeremy Peña • SS • Astros

Astros Hope Jeremy Pena Will Resume Rehab Assignment on Friday

Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena (hamstring, neck) will sit out again at Double-A Corpus Christi on his minor-league rehab assignment on Thursday due to neck soreness, manager Joe Espada told Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle. The hope is that Pena will return to the Hooks' starting lineup on Friday. The 28-year-old Dominican collided with a baserunner on Tuesday while playing for Corpus Christi and is dealing with minor neck soreness. He has been out for over a month with a strained right hamstring, but as long as he avoids another injury this weekend in the minors, he could return to Houston's starting lineup by early next week. The Astros could really use Pena back after veteran infielder Carlos Correa (ankle) suffered a season-ending ankle injury. When Pena is cleared to come off the 10-day injured list, he'll be the Astros' starting shortstop, making him valuable in mixed fantasy leagues. He's currently rostered in 80% of Yahoo leagues. Pena was a first-time All-Star in 2025 in his fourth year in the majors, slashing .304/.363/.477 with an .840 OPS, 17 homers, 62 RBI, 20 steals, and 68 runs in 125 games played.

4 days ago

Bryan King • RP • Astros

Bryan King Blows Second Save, in Danger of Losing Closer Job for Astros?

Houston Astros relief pitcher Bryan King let a one-run lead slip away on Wednesday night, and even though his team rallied to beat the Mariners, he may not be the go-to option for saves in Houston for long. He walked in the tying run and issued three free passes while also giving up an infield single. He escaped a bases-loaded jam, and Bryan Abreu worked a scoreless 10th inning to get the win. King's three walks were the first he allowed in six appearances, so hopefully the weaker command was an outlier. Both Abreu and Enyel De Los Santos pitched effectively in this game and would be the team's next options if it moves away from King. Top closer Josh Hader is continuing his rehab and should return in the next few weeks as well, which will likely take away any save chances that are available in the short term. King is a fine short-term hold in deep leagues, but his fantasy window is closing, especially if his control becomes an issue.

4 days ago

Jeremy Peña • SS • Astros

Jeremy Pena Dealing With Sore Neck on Rehab Assignment

Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena (hamstring, neck) is dealing with a sore neck on Wednesday after colliding with a baserunner during his minor-league rehab game on Tuesday with Double-A Corpus Christi, manager Joe Espada told Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle. Pena was scheduled to serve as the designated hitter for Corpus Christi on Wednesday, but he was held out and instead did baseball activities. Espada hopes that Pena will be back in action on Thursday. The 28-year-old continues to recover from a Grade 1 hamstring strain that landed him on the 10-day injured list on April 13, and he's expected to need at least several more rehab games before the Astros consider reinstating him. If Pena doesn't have any more physical issues later this week, he could be back in Houston's big-league lineup by the end of the weekend or early next week. With Carlos Correa (ankle) done for the year, the Astros can't get Pena back any sooner as their regular at shortstop. He's currently rostered in 80% of Yahoo leagues and can offer a little power and speed. Pena came close to his first 20-20 season in 2025, finishing three home runs shy in 125 games played.

5 days ago

Carlos Correa • SS • Astros

Carlos Correa Undergoes Season-Ending Ankle Surgery on Monday

The Houston Astros said that veteran infielder Carlos Correa (ankle) underwent surgery on the peroneus brevis tendon in his left ankle on Monday, and he will miss the rest of the season, according to Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle. Correa suffered the freak ankle injury while taking batting practice last Tuesday before a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, and he's expected to need around six to eight months to recover. Although shortstop Jeremy Pena (hamstring) is on track to return from the injured list later this week, Correa's injury is one that the struggling Astros may never recover from in 2026. The 31-year-old veteran has a history of foot injuries, but this ankle injury is not related to the plantar fasciitis that he's dealt with in recent seasons. Before his season-ending injury, Correa was hitting .279 (34-for-122) with three home runs, 16 RBI, 22 runs scored, and a stolen base in 32 games played. Fantasy managers in single-year formats should have already dumped Correa to the waiver wire.

7 days ago

Jeremy Peña • SS • Astros

Jeremy Pena Expected to Start a Rehab Assignment on Tuesday

Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena (hamstring) did full baseball drills on Monday and is expected to start a minor-league rehab assignment on Tuesday, likely at Double-A Corpus Christi, according to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. Pena will be back in action in the minors this week as he recovers from a hamstring injury that has sidelined him for more than a month, but barring a setback, the 28-year-old could be back in the big-league starting lineup by the end of the week. It's great news for a struggling Houston squad that already lost veteran infielder Carlos Correa (ankle) for the rest of the 2026 season. With Correa and Pena out of late, the Astros have been running a platoon at the 6 with Braden Shewmake and Nick Allen. When he's reinstated, Pena will be the Astros' everyday starter at shortstop, and he'll have value in most fantasy leagues after being named a first-time All-Star in 2025, when he hit .304/.363/.477 with an .840 OPS, 17 homers, 62 RBI, 20 steals, and 68 runs in 125 games played. Pena went 11-for-43 (.256) with five runs and a stolen base in 10 games earlier this year before landing on the IL. He's rostered in 80% of Yahoo leagues right now.

7 days ago

Cam Smith • RF • Astros

Cam Smith Looking to Rebound Amid Astros Outfield Competition

Houston Astros outfielder Cam Smith has cooled off after a strong start to the season, slashing .151/.237/.226 across his last 15 games. Smith now owns a .642 OPS with four home runs through 40 games in 2026. The 23-year-old has flashed the offensive tools needed to succeed at the major league level, but consistency has remained an issue during his second MLB season. Smith could also face increased competition for playing time, with Joey Loperfido, Jake Meyers, and Taylor Trammell all targeting returns later this month. The former first-round pick still carries intriguing upside, but he will need to rediscover his early-season rhythm moving forward.

May 10

Tatsuya Imai • SP • Astros

Tatsuya Imai Scheduled to Rejoin Astros Rotation on Tuesday

Houston Astros starting pitcher Tatsuya Imai (arm) will make his return to his team's starting rotation on Tuesday against the Seattle Mariners, according to Chandler Rome of The Athletic. Imai has been on the 15-day injured list since early April due to right arm fatigue. The 28-year-old got off to a brutal start to his first MLB season before hitting the injured list, allowing seven earned runs and 11 walks across 8 2/3 innings (three starts). Imai wasn't much better in two minor league rehab appearances, allowing six earned runs and eight walks across five innings. Still, Houston signed Imai to a three-year, $54 million contract this past winter and will likely give him every opportunity to prove himself. Fantasy managers should proceed with major caution until Imai shows he can lock in his command.

May 10

Jeremy Peña • SS • Astros

Jeremy Pena on the Verge of a Rehab Assignment?

Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena (hamstring) will "hopefully" run the bases in Cincinnati on Saturday or Sunday, manager Joe Espada told the Houston Chronicle's Matt Kawahara. It will be Pena's final hurdle before being cleared to start a minor-league rehab assignment. It's been almost four weeks since Pena landed on the 10-day injured list with a hamstring strain, but he's nearing his return to Houston's starting lineup. That's great news for a struggling Astros team that recently lost veteran infielder Carlos Correa (ankle) for the rest of the 2026 season. Pena recovered from a fractured finger just in time for Opening Day in late March, and he played in just 10 games before injuring his hamstring. The 28-year-old Dominican infielder nearly had his first 20-20 season as a first-time All-Star in 2025 and hit above .300 in 125 games played, which is why he's rostered in 80% of Yahoo leagues despite being on the IL. If he can avoid a setback on his rehab assignment, Pena could be back with the Astros by the end of next weekend.

May 8

Hunter Brown • SP • Astros

Hunter Brown Throws Successful Bullpen on Friday

Houston Astros right-hander Hunter Brown (shoulder) threw an encouraging first bullpen session on Friday in his recovery from a right-shoulder strain, manager Joe Espada told Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle. "Hunter is very anxious to get back on the mound. He is constantly texting, calling, 'What's next? What's next?' So he's doing well," Espada said. The 27-year-old is working his way back from a Grade 2 shoulder strain that landed him on the 15-day injured list in early April. Expect Brown to throw off a mound another couple of times before the Astros look to send him on a minor-league rehab start. Barring a setback, we think Brown should return to Houston's starting rotation by the end of May. In the meantime, the former fifth-rounder out of Wayne State in 2019 should be held in all fantasy formats. After being named an All-Star in 2025 for the first time in his career, Brown allowed just one earned run with six walks and 17 strikeouts in 10 2/3 innings across his first two starts in 2026.

May 8

Houston Astros News

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