The Houston Astros received encouraging news ahead of Sunday's series finale against the Baltimore Orioles after manager Joe Espada shared updates on Jeremy Peña and Christian Walker.
Espada said neither player is expected to head to the injured list after both exited Saturday's 4-2 extra-inning loss. Instead, Peña and Walker were able to participate in light baseball activities on Sunday as Houston continues monitoring their progress on a day-to-day basis.
Both infielders were held out of Sunday's lineup as a precaution. Peña left Saturday's game with a right hamstring cramp, while Walker exited after experiencing right hip tightness following an earlier hit-by-pitch to his right hand.
Peña has been one of Houston's most productive players when healthy this season. The 28-year-old is batting .295 with six home runs, 22 RBIs and eight stolen bases in 53 games, although he has already missed significant time because of a right hamstring strain and later dealt with a left calf issue.
Walker has been a steady presence in the middle of the Astros' lineup, appearing in 98 games while hitting 20 home runs with 58 RBIs. Sunday's update suggests his hip tightness is not expected to result in a longer absence.
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Houston entered Sunday with a 47-53 record, sitting third in the American League West and four games behind the division-leading Texas Rangers. With the Astros trying to stay within striking distance in the playoff race, avoiding injured list stints for two key hitters represents a welcome development.
Espada did not provide a timetable for either player's return to the lineup, but Sunday's update indicates both are progressing without any immediate indication of a more serious injury.
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