Houston Astros will open Sunday without shortstop Jeremy Peña and first baseman Christian Walker, both sidelined by injuries. Peña departed Saturday’s 4-2 loss to the Baltimore Orioles after a right hamstring cramp in the third inning, the second hamstring issue of the season, limiting him to 53 games. He batted .295 with six homers and 22 RBIs. Walker left in the fourth inning with right‑hip tightness, ending a season‑long .234 average with 20 homers and 58 RBIs.

The team also expects a boost when Ronel Blanco returns from Tommy John surgery to start Monday against the Miami Marlins. Blanco finished 13-6 with a 2.80 ERA in 2024, the second‑best in the AL, and was 3-4 with a 4.10 ERA in nine starts before the June surgery. His return comes as the Astros’ rotation sits on a 5.18 ERA, the third‑worst in MLB.

Manager Joe Espada said the pair "are going through some baseball right now" and hopes they’ll be available soon, while expressing excitement about Blanco’s rehab performances and the chance to strengthen the lineup.