2026 is looking eerily similar to 2025 for the Houston Astros. Injuries are piling up and testing their depth, and Carlos Correa is the most recent name added to the growing list.
Correa reportedly suffered an ankle injury during pregame batting practice before the victory against the Los Angeles Dodgers. After further review, he is expected to undergo surgery and will be out for the rest of the season, dealing a major blow to the team’s already thin infield depth and overall stability moving forward.
The Astros are already struggling at 15–22, and losing a major contributor like Correa only adds to the challenge.
They are also losing a veteran presence in the clubhouse, just a year after bringing him back.
Other key players on the injured list include Yainer Díaz (left oblique strain), Joey Loperfido (right quad strain), and Jake Meyers (right oblique strain), while Jeremy Peña is still working his way back from a hamstring injury.
The injury also creates a ripple effect across the infield. After being involved in trade discussions throughout the offseason, Isaac Paredes now becomes a key piece moving forward and is expected to take on a larger role at third base.
With Correa out, the question becomes who takes over at shortstop. Jeremy Peña, who landed on the injured list with a hamstring injury, is expected to be back soon and should return to that role. Even so, losing Correa still hurts. He’s been a major contributor and one of the more versatile players on the roster.
With the Astros sitting at 15–22, getting back into the AL West race was already going to be tough. Without Correa, it only gets harder. It’s not just about the production they’re losing, it’s the steady presence he brings. As players start coming back, it’s going to be on everyone else to step up and try to keep the season from slipping any further.
For Correa, this is one of the toughest setbacks of his career. Beyond the injury itself, it’s a frustrating hit for a player who came back to Houston to help lead this team. His impact isn’t going anywhere, but the Astros are now going to have to move forward without one of the biggest voices in the clubhouse and on the field.
