Astros shortstop and first baseman out of lineup with injuries

Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña and first baseman Christian Walker were not in Sunday's starting lineup against the Orioles because of injuries. Peña left Saturday's game after suffering a right hamstring cramp during an at-bat in the third inning.

It was the second time this season a hamstring cramp forced him out of a game. Walker left during his fourth-inning at-bat with right hip tightness. Manager Joe Espada said both players were going through baseball activities and hoped they would be available soon.

details Peña is batting .295 with six home runs and 22 RBIs this season.

Two injury list trips have limited him to 53 games. He missed more than a month after a right hamstring strain in April and a left calf strain earlier this month. Walker is batting .234 with 20 home runs and 58 RBIs this season.

return Right-hander Ronel Blanco will start Monday's game against the Miami Marlins after recovering from Tommy John surgery. Blanco went 3-4 with a 4.10 ERA in nine starts last season before the June procedure. In 2024, his first full season as a starter, he posted a 13-6 record and 2.80 ERA, second best in the American League.

The Astros hope his return can improve a rotation that entered Sunday with a 5.18 ERA, third worst in Major League Baseball. Blanco allowed two earned runs over 17 innings in five minor league rehab appearances. Espada said his stuff looked good in those outings.