Astros Shortstop Jeremy Pena Out of World Baseball Classic

Pena's broken finger will sideline him from the international tournament.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The Houston Astros announced that their All-Star shortstop Jeremy Pena will miss the upcoming World Baseball Classic due to a broken right ring finger. Pena, a key player for the defending World Series champions, sustained the injury and will be unable to participate in the international tournament.

Why it matters

Pena's absence is a significant blow for the Astros and Team USA, as he was expected to be a key contributor in the World Baseball Classic. The tournament is an important showcase for top MLB talent, and Pena's injury robs fans of the chance to see one of baseball's rising stars compete on the global stage.

The details

The Astros announced Pena's injury on Thursday, revealing that the 24-year-old shortstop broke his right ring finger and will be sidelined for the duration of the World Baseball Classic as a result. Pena emerged as a star in 2022, winning the ALCS MVP and World Series MVP awards as the Astros claimed their second championship.

  • The injury occurred in recent days, prior to the start of the World Baseball Classic.
  • The Astros made the announcement of Pena's injury on Thursday, March 5, 2026.

The players

Jeremy Pena

The 24-year-old All-Star shortstop for the Houston Astros, who won the ALCS and World Series MVP awards in 2022.

Houston Astros

The defending World Series champions, who will be without their star shortstop Pena for the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

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What’s next

The Astros will have to adjust their World Baseball Classic roster and lineup without Pena, who was expected to be a key contributor for Team USA in the tournament.

The takeaway

Pena's injury is a significant setback for both the Astros and Team USA, as the young shortstop was poised to showcase his talents on the global stage of the World Baseball Classic. His absence will be felt, but the Astros will look to overcome this challenge as they defend their World Series title.