Astros Shortstop Jeremy Peña Departs for World Baseball Classic

Peña will represent the Dominican Republic in the international tournament, leaving Astros spring training early.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 3:15am

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Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña has departed the team's spring training camp to join the Dominican Republic national team for the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Peña played in four Grapefruit League games before leaving to prepare for the WBC, where he is expected to share shortstop duties with the Diamondbacks' Geraldo Perdomo. The Astros had Peña play in games earlier than most of their other starters to give him at-bats and build his stamina prior to the tournament.

Why it matters

Peña's absence from Astros spring training will be an extended one as he competes for the Dominican Republic in the high-profile World Baseball Classic. This tournament features many of baseball's top stars, and Peña's participation will provide valuable international experience as he looks to build on his impressive rookie season with the Astros.

The details

Peña logged 11 at-bats in his four spring games with the Astros before departing to join Team Dominican Republic in Miami. The Dominican team is scheduled to play exhibition games in the Dominican Republic on Tuesday and Wednesday against Detroit Tigers teams before opening WBC pool play on Friday in Miami. Astros manager Joe Espada said he told Peña to 'just go out and have a good time' in the tournament.

  • Peña played his fourth Grapefruit League game on Saturday, March 4.
  • Peña departed Astros camp after Saturday's game to join Team Dominican Republic in Miami.
  • The Dominican Republic team is scheduled to play exhibition games on Tuesday, March 7 and Wednesday, March 8 before opening WBC pool play on Friday, March 10.

The players

Jeremy Peña

The Houston Astros' starting shortstop who will represent the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic.

Albert Pujols

The manager of the Dominican Republic national team in the World Baseball Classic.

Joe Espada

The manager of the Houston Astros who told Peña to 'just go out and have a good time' in the WBC.

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What they’re saying

“I feel like there's some great teams in this tournament. But there's no excuse for why we can't be the last team standing.”

— Jeremy Peña

“Just to go out and have a good time. Hopefully, he gets some games and continues to build on that.”

— Joe Espada, Astros Manager

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Peña's participation in the World Baseball Classic will provide him with valuable international experience as he looks to build on his impressive rookie season with the Astros. While his absence from spring training will be extended, the Astros are supportive of his decision to represent his home country in the high-profile tournament.