As the Astros face the Nationals on July 28, 2025, can Jeremy Peña lead the offense with Isaac Paredes sidelined? See how injuries test Houston's depth.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Welcome to Monday, 'Stros fans. As the team prepares to open a three-game set against the Washington Nationals at home, the story isn't just about the opponent on the field, but the Astros on the injured list. Houston enters the series with a solid 60-46 record, but they'll be doing it without some key firepower, forcing the club to truly embrace the 'next man up' mentality.
With Isaac Paredes sidelined, all eyes are on Jeremy Peña, who is swinging a hot bat with a .322 AVG, .378 OBP, and .489 SLG.
On paper, the series against the 43-62 Nationals looks like a prime opportunity for the Astros to pad their record. However, with the lineup and pitching staff in flux, nothing is a given. The offense will lean heavily on players like Jeremy Peña to carry the load. The Nats aren't without their own threats, namely slugger James Wood, who has already blasted 24 homers and driven in 70 runs. This series will be a test of Houston's focus and ability to execute without its full complement of stars.
The injury bug has bitten the Astros hard. The team's power and pitching have taken significant hits with 3B Isaac Paredes (19 HR) sidelined by a significant right hamstring strain and RHP Lance McCullers Jr. nursing a blister that landed him on the 15-day IL. Both injuries occurred around July 19, and their absence is palpable. They were joined by LHP Brandon Walter, who was placed on the 15-day IL last Friday, further thinning the pitching depth.
Management has been busy plugging the holes. Over the weekend, RHP Luis Contreras was recalled from Sugar Land, while RHP Nick Martinez was optioned down. These moves followed the recall of Nick Hernandez and the waiver claim of IF Logan Davidson. While the roster churns, there's good news on the rehab front. RHP J.P. France is making progress from his shoulder injury, throwing in a Double-A game over the weekend with an eye on an August return. Additionally, IF Luis Guillorme has officially started his rehab assignment in Triple-A, signaling his return is getting closer.
This series against the Nationals is more than just three games; it's a critical test of the Astros' resilience. Can the current roster hold the line until reinforcements from the IL arrive? The performance over the next few days will tell us a lot about the character and depth of this team as they navigate a challenging stretch on their path to the postseason. All eyes will be on Minute Maid Park tonight.
