The Astros have reinstated shortstop Jeremy Peña from the 10-day injured list. Infielder Braden Shewmake has been designated for assignment as the corresponding move. Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reported the moves today.
Shewmake himself returned from the injured list earlier this week. He missed almost exactly a month with an adductor strain. The veteran infielder appeared in two games before getting bumped off the roster. Shewmake picked up two hits and an RBI in Monday’s wild 12-11 loss to the Nationals, which was ultimately his final start with the club.
Houston landed Shewmake in a minor trade with the Yankees in mid-April. The deal came shortly after Pena went down with a hamstring strain. Shewmake posted a .665 OPS as a semi-regular bouncing between second base, third base, and shortstop before his injury. The versatile infielder recorded 2 Defensive Runs Saved on the left side of the infield. He posted -2 DRS in 50 innings at second base.
Shewmake had played 31 games between the White Sox and Braves heading into 2026. His 30-game stint with the Astros represents the biggest opportunity he’s seen as a big leaguer so far. Shewmake’s 89 wRC+ isn’t anything to write home about, but it’s a major improvement on his previous efforts in the majors.
The Astros have five days to trade Shewmake or place him through waivers. If he goes unclaimed, the club can try to stash him in the minors. Shewmake was outrighted by the Yankees earlier this year, so he has the right to reject a minor league assignment and test free agency.
