The Astros have made their roster move with Jeremy Peña back in the fold: Braden Shewmake has been designated for assignment.
Houston reinstated Peña from the 10-day injured list, and Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reported the corresponding transaction today. Shewmake, who had just returned from the injured list earlier this week, is now the odd man out.
His stay was short. Shewmake missed almost exactly a month with an adductor strain, then got into two games before being bumped off the roster. He went 2-for-4 with an RBI in Monday’s wild 12-11 loss to the Nationals, which ended up being his final start with the club.
The Astros acquired Shewmake in a minor trade with the Yankees in mid-April, shortly after Peña went down with a hamstring strain. He had been working as a semi-regular, moving around the infield at second base, third base, and shortstop.
Before the injury, Shewmake had posted a .665 OPS and finished with 2 Defensive Runs Saved on the left side of the infield. At second base, he logged -2 DRS in 50 innings.
For Shewmake, the Astros stint was the biggest big-league opportunity he’s had so far. He had played 31 games between the White Sox and Braves heading into 2026, and his 30-game run in Houston marked his longest look yet. His 89 wRC+ still doesn’t jump off the page, but it was a clear step up from what he had shown previously in the majors.
Houston now has five days to trade Shewmake or put him on waivers. If he clears, the team can attempt to keep him in the minors. Because Shewmake was outrighted by the Yankees earlier this year, he can refuse a minor league assignment and choose free agency instead.
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