Convenience Big Store: Astros could be without Jeremy Peña on opening day

Get Unlimited Digital Access for 25¢

For readers who want more stories, more depth.

Act Now

Sale Ends March 8

Today's starting lineup

This was not the news the Astros wanted to hear, just three weeks before opening day. Shortstop Jeremy Peña has a fracture in the tip of his right finger and might not be ready. He suffered the injury fielding a ground ball for the Dominican Republic in an exhibition game against the Tigers on Wednesday. Matt Kawahara has the details.

Please scroll down for the rest of this morning's headlines.

Reid Laymance, Sports Editor

reid.laymance@houstonchronicle.com

Astros / MLB

Jeremy Peña of the Dominican Republic throws the ball during the third inning of an exhibition game against the Detroit Tigers at Estadio Quisqueya on March 04, 2026 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

Photo by: Bryan M. Bennett, Getty Images

Jeremy Peña's status for opening day in doubt after fracturing his fingertip

Jeremy Peña will be re-evaluated in two weeks and his status for opening day is in doubt

Challenger: Isaac Paredes has had 198 called strikes on pitches outside the strike zone in the last three seasons and could benefit from challenge system. Read More
Transactions: Colton Gordon and Miguel Ullola are optioned to minors to keep getting work with chance to return later. Read More

World Baseball Classic

Photo by: David J. Phillip, Associated Press

Alex Bregman is happy to be back in Houston for World Baseball Classic

The United States and Alex Bregman are in Houston for the World Baseball Classic and hopeful of winning title at home.

Power Shay: Houston Astros infielder Shay Whitcomb, who has Korean heritage through his mother's side of he family, is off to a big start for Team Korea in the World Baseball Classic. Read More
WBC in Houston: Houston will host five teams, including the United States and Mexico, in group play for the World Baseball Classic Read More

Rockets / NBA

Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) complains about a foul call as the team takes on the Houston Rockets at the Toyota Center in Houston on Thursday, March 5, 2026. Golden State Warriors won the game in overtime 115-113.

Photo by: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle

'We still here.' Draymond Green relishes beating the Rockets in Toyota Center on

The Rockets have certainly changed over the years, but Draymond Green and the Warriors still savor their wins in Houston.

Warriors 115, Rockets 113: Reed Sheppard leads Rockets with 30 points but it's not enough against short-handed Golden State Warriors Read More
Super fan: If you've watched any Rockets games, you've had to notice Marc Israel sitting courtside near the opponent's bench. He's the one cheering like crazy while others stay calm in their glitzy seats. Read More

Texans / NFL

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) reacts after being sacked by Houston Texans defensive end Danielle Hunter (55) during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Pittsburgh, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026.

Photo by: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

Texans free agency tracker: Danielle Hunter gets $40.1 million extension

The Texans have already begun to make several moves ahead of free agency.

Who stays, who goes: The Houston Texans have 19 pending unrestricted free agents. Ranking the top 12, and predicting who will likely stay and go. Read More
Mock draft: Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza appears set as the No. 1 pick but then it's a run on defense and offensive lineman Read More