Astros: Jeremy Pena went yard off Jacob deGrom in loss to Mets

The Houston Astros might’ve dropped another loss to the New York Mets, but infielding prospect Jeremy Pena took Jacob deGrom deep on the first pitch he saw. This was deGrom’s third start of spring training, while all of them have been against the Astros. The two-time Cy Young winner has been known for his high velocity in his fastball and slider.

This home run was only Pena’s second hit this spring and deGrom’s second hit given up this month. The Mets put up three runs early on a home run from Dominic Smith off Nivaldo Rodriguez, as Peter Solomon dealt four strikeouts, two walks and two hits to Mets’ batters before being relieved; two runs from Smith’s home runs are handed to Solomon’s ERA. The right-hander is finding a steady rhythm since his Tommy John surgery.

When could we see the Astros call up Jeremy Pena?

As the fourth highest ranked Astros’ prospect by MLB Pipeline, the middle infielder has been highlighted by his vacuum of a glove and his efficient ability to get on base. Although only having two hits this spring, we can analyze that missing a full minor league season has affected Pena. While also competing in the Dominican Winter League, the right-hander has had great progressions through seasons at the plate and across the infield.

As a pivotal middle infielder of the future, we could see Pena this season, if 40-man roster spots open due to injury or trade. While having three utility players on the 40-man at the moment, adding Pena is probably not on the minds of the front office. The right-hander hasn’t played higher than A-ball, so he will need to develop against the AA-AAA talent this summer, and then he could possibly see MLB time late in 2022.

The Astros are back on the field on Wednesday against the St. Louis Cardinals at 5:05 p.m. in West Palm Beach. Dusty Baker said Alex Bregman “probably” won’t play tomorrow, although he was slated to play.