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.

Jeremy Peña, the Houston Astros' shortstop, has had a stellar season, batting .322 with 11 home runs and 15 stolen bases. However, his momentum suffered a significant setback after suffering a rib injury during a recent game against the Chicago Cubs, which has resulted in a fracture and a 10-day injured list stint.

Despite this unfortunate news, Peña's performance this season has reinforced his status as a rising star in Major League Baseball. As the Astros continue to lead the AL West, Peña's absence will be felt, especially considering the invaluable contributions he made during their 2022 championship run. Astros management has expressed a commitment to retaining Peña long-term, anticipating he will play a critical role as the team looks ahead.

Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña has been diagnosed with a fractured rib after being hit by a pitch from Cade Horton of the Chicago Cubs. The injury was initially undetected after the game, revealing itself only after further scans. Peña, who boasts a .322 batting average this season, will be placed on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to the injury date. As the team embarks on a six-game road trip, a corresponding roster move will be announced.

This week offers an excellent opportunity for fantasy baseball managers to explore two-start pitchers, with Jacob Lopez of the Oakland Athletics emerging as a standout. He boasts a remarkable 0.39 ERA and a 29:7 K:BB ratio over his past four starts, including performances against top offenses. Other viable options include Michael Wacha, Ryne Nelson, and Patrick Corbin, each presenting unique advantages based on their matchups. Wacha remains consistent despite a mediocre strikeout rate, while Nelson shines at home with a strong ERA. Corbin faces favorable opponents, making him a decent streaming choice. On the hitting side, outfielders from the San Francisco Giants and Houston Astros are positioned to capitalize on upcoming matchups against struggling pitching staffs.

Framber Valdez is on a remarkable run, winning his eighth consecutive decision after a dominant six-inning performance where he struck out six and allowed only five hits, leading the Houston Astros to a 2-0 victory over the Chicago Cubs. This victory not only secures a series win but also places Valdez among the top pitchers in the American League this season, with a tie for the longest winning streak of his career. His consistent excellence has helped the Astros surge to the top of the AL West.

Valdez's stellar performance comes on the heels of a complete game against the Tampa Bay Rays, showcasing his ability to step up after team losses. With a 1.72 ERA over his last ten outings, he's proven himself as a reliable force for the Astros, especially in crucial matchups. As he prepares for his next start against the Los Angeles Dodgers—currently boasting the best record in the National League—Valdez is building a compelling case for a third consecutive All-Star selection.