Jeremy Peña's Left-Knuckle X-Rays Return Negative, per Brian McTaggart

Jeremy Peña said X-rays on his left knuckles were negative, per Houston Astros beat reporter Brian McTaggart. The finding suggests Peña avoided a significant structural injury, though the report does not specify what prompted the imaging or whether the club considers him fully available going forward.

What remains unconfirmed is the exact circumstance that led to the X-rays and any formal status designation. Peña relayed the negative result himself, per McTaggart's report, but no club announcement has addressed his availability.

Why it matters

Peña is Houston's starting shortstop, and any hand or finger concern for a middle infielder carries obvious defensive and offensive implications. The Astros are in a stretch that has already seen their bullpen taxed by short outings from starters, per McTaggart, making lineup continuity elsewhere on the field more valuable than usual.

What to watch

Whether Peña appears in the next lineup card is the clearest signal of his status. Until the club addresses availability directly, the negative X-rays are encouraging but not a full clearance.