Jeremy Peña and Carlos Correa return as the Astros reload for a sweep vs. the Marlins on Aug 6, 2025. Get the full scoop on Houston's major roster moves.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when you thought the Astros were hitting their stride, the cavalry arrived. In a massive boost for the club's stretch run, Houston has activated a wave of talent, headlined by the return of shortstop Jeremy Peña from a rib fracture. His comeback, alongside Carlos Correa, Jesús Sánchez, and Ramón Urías, reloads a roster that's already in Miami looking to put the finishing touches on a series sweep against the Marlins.
Jeremy Peña was in the midst of a breakout season before his injury, posting a .322 AVG, .378 OBP, and .489 SLG with Gold Glove-caliber defense.
The biggest news of the week is undoubtedly the return of the stars. Jeremy Peña's activation is a game-changer. Before hitting the IL, he was not just playing well; he was putting together an MVP-caliber season with 11 homers, 18 doubles, and 15 stolen bases. Getting that bat and glove back in the lineup is critical. The addition of veterans Carlos Correa and Ramón Urías, plus outfielder Jesús Sánchez, provides incredible depth and flexibility as the Astros navigate the final months of the season. To make room, prospects Brice Matthews and Jacob Melton were optioned to Triple-A, and Zack Short was designated for assignment, underscoring the front office's all-in mentality.
While the roster was getting its makeover, the team on the field was taking care of business in South Florida. The Astros handily won the first two games of the series against the Marlins, 8-2 on Monday and 7-3 on Tuesday. As of Wednesday afternoon, they were on the field going for a three-game sweep to extend their win streak. With a 64-50 record and a firm grip on first place in the AL West, Houston continues to rely on consistent production from veterans like Jose Altuve, who boasts 19 home runs and 59 RBI on the year.
The front office continues to fine-tune the edges of the roster. In a nostalgic move, the Astros signed first baseman Jon Singleton to a minor league deal, bringing a familiar face back into the organization for added depth. On the pitching side, the team is managing its arms carefully, optioning lefty John Rooney to Triple-A Sugar Land and recalling right-hander AJ Blubaugh to provide a fresh arm for the big-league club. These moves might seem small, but they are crucial for keeping the team fresh and prepared for any situation down the stretch.
Perhaps as exciting as the players returning to the active roster are the ones warming up in the wings. Pitchers J.P. France and Luis Garcia are both currently on rehab assignments with the Sugar Land Space Cowboys. Their successful return to the rotation would be a monumental boost for the pitching staff, providing high-quality innings and depth for the postseason. As they get closer to rejoining the Astros, the team's biggest strength—its pitching—is poised to get even stronger.
With the roster getting healthier and deeper by the day, the Astros are firing on all cylinders. The return of key players and the imminent arrival of pitching reinforcements signal that Houston is not just leading the AL West; they're gearing up for another deep October run. Keep an eye on those rehab assignments—the cavalry isn't done arriving just yet.
