By now, the Houston Astros have had enough time to process the loss of Carlos Correa.
Correa signed a three-year deal with the Minnesota Twins during the offseason, leaving a void at the shortstop position.
But with Correa gone, the Astros have employed the “next man up” strategy.
That’s when rookie Jeremy Pena came calling.
Pena got the game-winning hit in Game 3 of the ALDS last Saturday as the Astros completed their three-game sweep of the Seattle Mariners.
Last night, he got his first crack at the ALCS, and did not waste his opportunity, picking up three hits in his four at-bats, including a home run and two doubles.
The rookie is playing like a #Postseason vet ⭐️@Jpena221 | @astros pic.twitter.com/UwNKN0IN6h
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) October 20, 2022
The New Kid In Town
If only for a night, Pena made Astros fans forget all about Correa.
Even with Correa gone, the Astros have remained the best team in the American League, and with their win last night, they grabbed an early ALCS lead and are prepared to try and take a 2-0 lead into New York.
And Pena led the charge in Game 1 as the Astros outlasted the New York Yankees.
As of now, there’s no reason for Astros fans to miss Correa.
Pena has been getting the job done and has proven that he can produce in the month of October.
The 25-year-old shortstop is hitting .350 this postseason with two home runs and two RBI.
During the regular season, Pena hit for a .253 average with 22 home runs and 63 RBI.
While Pena is still young, he’s following in Correa’s footsteps quite nicely and quickly turning into a key contributor for the defending American League champions.
The Astros will look to grab a 2-0 series edge tonight before heading to Yankee Stadium for the next three games.
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