The Houston Astros are clawing their way to another American League West title in a crowded, but weak division.
Despite Friday night’s 18-3 loss against the Los Angeles Angels, the team sits at 64-64, a game ahead of the Texas Rangers for the top spot in the division.
The Astros are still missing their star shortstop in Jeremy Peña following his hand injury that he sustained by being hit with a fastball on Wednesday.
They are missing a lot of production, as the 28-year-old is slashing .283/.338/.469, good for a .807 OPS, with 14 home runs and 40 RBI.
Houston decided to call up infielder Raynel Delgado from Triple-A while keeping Peña on the big league roster and off the injured list.
Delgado is a 26-year-old second baseman who has played a total of 18 games with the Astros this year.
In those games he is slashing .257/.297/.371, a .668 OPS, with one home run and four RBI.
While not nearing matching Pena, Delgado is a stable backup while he recovers.
As a corresponding move, the Astros designated Nelson Velázquez for assignment.
Velázquez only played in three games for the Astros where he did not record a hit.
