The Houston Astros have been battered by injuries this season, and it shows—sitting at 16-25 through 41 games, they're dangerously close to repeating last year's frustrating trend. But with May bringing warmer weather and a healthier roster, there's reason for optimism. Here are three key players to watch as the Astros aim to turn things around.
Jeremy Peña
Peña has been sidelined since April 13 with a Grade 1 right hamstring strain, and his return couldn't come at a better time. With Carlos Correa out for the season after a torn ankle tendon, Houston desperately needs Peña's glove and bat back in the lineup. The 2025 All-Star is progressing well—he was set to test his legs running the bases in Cincinnati this weekend, the final step before a minor league rehab assignment. A mid-May return is realistic, and it would provide a massive boost to both the infield defense and the heart of the order.
Josh Hader
Hader's left biceps tendinitis has lingered since spring training, landing him on the 60-day IL on April 17. The earliest he can return is May 24, and that's the current target. He's already made his first rehab appearance with Triple-A Sugar Land, and early reports are encouraging—his velocity is trending up, and he has several more rehab outings lined up before rejoining the big-league bullpen. Bryan Abreu has held down the closer role admirably, but there's no replacing what Hader brings to a bullpen that's been overworked and stretched thin.
Shinji Imai
Imai's first MLB season has been rocky, but getting him healthy and productive is critical for a rotation that's been running on fumes. Signed as a key offseason addition, he's struggled with arm fatigue and command issues. However, a recent rehab start with Triple-A Sugar Land showed more promise, and the Astros are hopeful he can rediscover the form that made him such a clutch pickup. A consistent Imai would go a long way toward stabilizing a pitching staff that needs all the help it can get.
As the Astros look to climb back into contention, keep an eye on these three—their health could be the difference between a lost season and a memorable comeback.