Astros Opening Day Lineup if Jeremy Pena Jumps to the Major Leagues

Jeremy Pena, Shortstop

Injuries limited Pena to 37 minor-league games in 2021, but he did hit .297 and has a career minor league average of .291 in 690 at-bats. In 10 LIDOM (Dominican Winter League) games and 42 at-bats, Pena slashed .238/.250/.381 while striking out 11 times.

The Astros believe Pena will hit well enough to be a major-league starter, but the question remains whether that’s in 2022 or 2023. While the Astros expect Pena to have moderate power eventually, there will be an adjustment period when he hits the big-leagues. With the bats and experience ahead of him, if Pena makes the team he’s destined for the eight or nine-hole for the time being.