The Houston Astros were already well-represented at the 2025 MLB All-Star Game with three players named to the roster that will play on behalf of the American League.
Wednesday afternoon, word came down that a fourth member of the Astros will be joining teammates Jeremy Peña, Hunter Brown, and Josh Hader at Truist Park in Atlanta next week as an injury replacement.
Given the team's spot at the top of the standings in the AL West, selecting another Astros player to serve as an injury replacement for one of his teammates was the decision that made the most sense. Fortunately, those in charge at Major League Baseball felt the same way.
Astros 3B Isaac Paredes' Plans for All-Star Break Just Changed in a Hurry
The league announced on Wednesday that the replacement for injured shortstop Jeremy Pena will be Houston newcomer Isaac Paredes. This will be Paredes' second consecutive trip to the All-Star Game, as he took part in the midseason classic during the 2024 campaign while a member of the Tampa Bay Rays.
With Peña being unable to participate in the game due to the small fracture he suffered to his left ribcage, Paredes will take his spot on the roster and, ideally, have the type of performance that will only endear him more to Astros fans as he navigates his way through his first year in Houston.
Unfortunately, Peña will not be able to take the field in what would have been his first All-Star Game appearance but, according to Chandler Rome of The Athletic, that won't keep the 27-year-old shortstop from enjoying the fruits of his labor. Peña plans to be in attendance in Atlanta for the festivities, despite not playing in the game itself.
Before the injury, Peña was enjoying the best season of his professional career. In 82 appearances for the Astros, the infielder was hitting .322 with a team-best 102 hits, 11 home runs, 40 RBI, and 15 stolen bases. There is no doubt that he deserved this honor.
Paredes is having a strong year in his own right. In 88 appearances, the third baseman is hitting .255, which would be the best average of his career if he can keep that up during the second half, with a team-best 19 home runs and 49 RBI.
The 2025 MLB All-Star Game will be held on July 15 at the home of the Atlanta Braves, Truist Park.