Jeremy Peña Returns to Astros Lineup, Leads Off in Game 2 vs. Angels

Overview

• Shortstop Jeremy Peña started Game 2 at leadoff after sitting out the season opener as he finished recovery from a fractured right ring fingertip sustained March 4.
• Peña said the finger feels good to go, and he stressed that getting at-bats and seeing live pitching is the last step to regain his timing.
• Manager Joe Espada said Houston is a “way, way better team” with Peña on the field and will determine his availability for the next game after assessing how he feels postgame.
• The Astros rearranged roles to keep their preferred infield together, using Isaac Paredes at designated hitter and starting Yordan Alvarez in left field.
• Houston’s offense managed only three hits in the opener, and after losing ace Framber Valdez in free agency and trading for Tatsuya Imai and Mike Burrows, the lineup faces added pressure to produce.