Astros minus Peña, Walker on Sunday; Blanco to return Monday

HOUSTON -- Astros shortstopJeremy Peñaand first baseman Christian Walker sat out Houston's 5-2 loss to the Orioleson Sunday because of injuries.

"Hopefully this is something that is probably only going to take a day or two," manager Joe Espada said. "They're going through some baseball right now. Hopefully they can be available."

Peña left Saturday's 4-2 loss to the Orioles after suffering a right hamstring cramp during his at-bat in the third inning. It was the second time this season a hamstring cramp has forced him out of a game.

Walker left during his fourth-inning at-bat with right hip tightness.

Peña is batting .295 with six home runs and 22 RBIs this season, but two injury list trips have limited him to 53 games. He missed more than a month after suffering a right hamstring strain April 11, and a left calf strain sidelined him again earlier this month.

Walker is batting .234 with 20 home runs and 58 RBIs this season.

Also, right-handerRonel Blancowill make his return from Tommy John surgery and start Monday's game against the Miami Marlins.

Blanco was 3-4 with a 4.10 ERA in nine starts last season before undergoing surgery in June. In his first full season as a starter in 2024, he was 13-6 with a 2.80 ERA, second best in the American League.

The Astros hope Blanco's return can boost a rotation that entered Sunday with a 5.18 ERA, third worst in Major League Baseball. He allowed two earned runs over 17 innings in five minor league rehab appearances.

"He feels good. His stuff looked really good in his [rehab] outings. Excited to have him back," Espada said.