Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena will be in the lineup for Opening Day after avoiding the injured list despite fracturing his fingertip during the World Baseball Classic. The injury occurred on March 4 while Pena was playing for the Dominican Republic. He returned to action Tuesday, hitting a 394-foot home run in an exhibition against Triple-A Sugar Land.

Pena told reporters he feels good and that the finger is no longer a concern. The 28-year-old All-Star said his focus is on getting back into game mode after missing action since early March. He went 1-for-4 with the home run in his first game back, showing he's ready to contribute when the Astros face the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday.

The Astros will open the season without closer Josh Hader, who was placed on the injured list as he recovers from biceps inflammation. Hader, who missed last season's end with a shoulder capsule strain, had 28 saves and a 2.05 ERA in 48 appearances last year. Bryan Abreu will serve as the closer until Hader returns.