Astros Suffer Injuries to Key Players Amid Slow Start

Shortstop Jeremy Pena and pitcher Tatsuya Imai both hit the injured list as the Astros struggle to find their footing.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 6:38pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented baseball players and field elements in a dynamic, overlapping composition using bold, contrasting colors.Injuries to key players like Pena and Imai have compounded the Astros' struggles to start the season.Houston Today

The Houston Astros, currently sitting at the bottom of the AL West with a 6-10 record, have been dealt a blow as two key players - shortstop Jeremy Pena and pitcher Tatsuya Imai - have been placed on the injured list. Pena is dealing with a Grade 1 hamstring strain, while the details of Imai's injury have not been disclosed.

Why it matters

The Astros were expected to be a contender in the AL West this season, but their slow start and now these injuries to important players could jeopardize their playoff hopes if they can't get healthy and turn things around quickly.

The details

Jeremy Pena, the Astros' starting shortstop, has been placed on the injured list with a Grade 1 hamstring strain. The severity of the injury and timeline for his return are still unknown. Additionally, the team has also lost pitcher Tatsuya Imai to an undisclosed injury, further depleting their pitching staff.

  • The Astros currently sit at 6-10, tied for the worst record in the American League and all of Major League Baseball.

The players

Jeremy Pena

The Astros' starting shortstop, who has been placed on the injured list with a Grade 1 hamstring strain.

Tatsuya Imai

A pitcher for the Astros who has also been placed on the injured list with an undisclosed injury.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

The Astros' slow start and now these key injuries to Pena and Imai could seriously jeopardize their chances of contending in the AL West this season, unless they can get healthy and turn things around quickly.