The Houston Astros face a significant setback as star shortstop Jeremy Peña has been placed on the injured list with a fractured rib. Peña sustained the injury during a game against the Chicago Cubs, where he was hit by a pitch. Up until this point, he was enjoying a stellar season, boasting a .322 batting average along with 11 home runs and 40 RBIs. His impressive performance has him among the league's elite, ranking second in bWAR. The Astros are currently leading the American League West by a comfortable margin.

While Peña recovers, Mauricio Dubón has stepped in as the starting shortstop for the Astros. Peña's absence raises questions about how the team will adjust, especially given their strong record and position in the playoffs. As the season progresses, the Astros will need to navigate this challenge effectively to maintain their edge in the division.