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Jose Altuve, Kris Bryant, Jeremy Pena: 3 things I heard during Astros-Rockies series

By Kevin Henry

Jun 20, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) walks onto the field before the game against the New York Mets at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 20, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) walks onto the field before the game against the New York Mets at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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HOUSTON, TEXAS – MAY 17: Jeremy Pena #3 of the Houston Astros reacts to hitting a double during the ninth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Minute Maid Park on May 17, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /

Houston Astros get some good news on the injury front

While Houston may be without Altuve, the defending World Champions are getting healthier at shortstop, where Jeremy Pena returned to the lineup on Wednesday after missing the last five games with a stiff neck.

“It’s tough when you lose guys lose (Yordan) Alvarez and Altuve, but this team is good enough to where we always have guys stepping up,” Pena said before taking the field on Wednesday. “That’s what we did last year, and that’s what we’ve been doing this year.”

The 2022 World Series MVP, Pena is slashing .247/.302/.399 with nine homers, 30 RBI and eight stolen bases this season. His return is a key for the Astros without Alvarez, who hasn’t played since June 8 because of an oblique strain. However, Alvarez has made steps to come back from the injury as Baker has had to reshuffle his lineup without Alvarez, as well as Pena and Altuve in recent days.

However, Mauricio Dubon has been excellent as a fill-in for Baker with his middle infield ravaged by injury. The 28-year-old Dubon is slashing .288/.314/.416 in 267 at-bats. His slash numbers are well above his career numbers (.256/.295/.380), a definite positive for an Astros team that has needed some good news and a solid bench in recent games.

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