The Houston Astros suffered a tough blow Saturday when two key position players — shortstop Jeremy Pena and first baseman Christian Walker — were forced out of their game against the Baltimore Orioles due to injuries.
Pena began showing signs of discomfort during his second time at the plate against Orioles left-handed pitcher Trevor Rogers. He eventually struck out in the bottom of the third inning. Astros manager Joe Espada and a member of the training staff came out to check on Pena during the at-bat, and he was pulled from the field before the top of the fourth inning, with Nick Allen stepping in at shortstop.
The team confirmed that Pena suffered a hamstring cramp. This isn’t the first time he’s dealt with hamstring trouble — earlier in the season, he missed 32 games due to a Grade 1 hamstring strain.
Walker ran into trouble of his own in the bottom of the fourth inning. Espada and a trainer visited him during his second at-bat, and Walker left the game right away. Pinch-hitter LaMonte Wade Jr. took his place at the plate. The Astros said Walker departed with tightness in his right hip.
Despite the injury concerns, both players have had productive seasons so far. Pena has hit six home runs, driven in 22 runs, and posted a .357 on-base percentage across 52 games. Walker has been even more productive, slugging 20 home runs and collecting 58 RBIs in 97 games.
