The Astros fell to the Marlins 4-2 on Aug 4, 2025, spoiling the return of Carlos Correa & Jeremy Peña. Despite a solid start from Framber Valdez, the skid hits four.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
The cavalry has arrived, but the slump digs in deeper. In a frustrating twist, the much-anticipated return of star infielders Jeremy Peña and Carlos Correa wasn't enough to spark the Houston Astros, who dropped their fourth consecutive game on Monday night, falling 4-2 to the Miami Marlins. Despite a revamped infield that looks both new and nostalgic, the bats remained cold, leaving fans to wonder when this skid will finally end.
The Astros are now 62-51, and while still leading the AL West, their margin for error is shrinking with each loss.
Monday's game felt like a familiar script from this losing streak. Starter Framber Valdez battled through six innings, giving up four runs (three earned) on seven hits but keeping the team within striking distance. However, the offense couldn't provide the necessary support. A solo home run from Christian Walker (his 16th) and an RBI from the newly returned Carlos Correa accounted for all of Houston's scoring. The bullpen duo of Nick Hernandez and Bryan Abreu were sharp in relief, tossing two scoreless frames, but the damage was done. Miami's Kyle Stowers did most of the damage for the Marlins, going 2-for-4 with two key RBIs.
The loss overshadowed the day's biggest storyline: the official reunion of Jeremy Peña and Carlos Correa. Peña, activated from the IL after a rib fracture sidelined him since late June, stepped right back into his shortstop position. His return is a massive boost; before the injury, he was playing at an MVP level, slashing .322/.378/.489 with 11 homers and stellar defense. Meanwhile, Correa, the prodigal son reacquired at the trade deadline, made his 2025 Astros debut at third base. This dynamic duo on the left side of the infield is what dreams are made of, but it will take more than just their presence to get the team back in the win column. To make room for the stars, the team made several moves over the weekend, including optioning top prospects Brice Matthews and Jacob Melton back to Triple-A and designating veteran Zack Short for assignment.
The front office continues to make moves on the margins, seeking to fortify the roster for the final two months. In a minor but intriguing trade, the Astros acquired left-handed pitcher John Rooney from the very team they played Monday, the Marlins, in exchange for cash. Rooney, 29, has a 3.98 ERA in Triple-A this year and will report to Sugar Land, providing another depth option for the bullpen. The move coincided with RHP Luis Contreras being optioned to Triple-A. These transactions show the team is actively looking for any edge as they navigate injuries and performance slumps heading into the pennant race.
Four straight losses is a tough pill to swallow, especially when reinforcements have just arrived. The talent is undeniable, with Peña and Correa solidifying the infield defense and adding length to the lineup. But baseball games are won on the field, not on paper. The Astros need to shake off this funk quickly. With their AL West lead getting slimmer by the day, the pressure is on to turn these star-studded reunions into much-needed victories, starting tomorrow.
