Houston Astros shortstop and 2025 first-time All-Star Jeremy Peña fractured the tip of his right ring finger while fielding in an exhibition against the Detroit Tigers in the Dominican Republic, leading to him missing the World Baseball Classic.

Peña’s injury eliminates his participation in the WBC, with the Dominican Republic’s pool play in Miami and the final on March 17 making full participation unlikely.

He traveled to West Palm Beach for a hand specialist evaluation and will be re-evaluated in about two weeks to determine recovery and potential impact on Opening Day.

Next steps include a two-week re-evaluation window to gauge recovery progress and any Opening Day implications, with rosters and lineups adjusted as medical updates arrive.

The Dominican Republic team and managers expressed disappointment but said they will prepare with a plan to replace Peña and continue their WBC campaign.

Astros manager Joe Espada has provided spring training updates on Peña’s status as specialists assess the injury.

The two-week timeline before the WBC and Opening Day means bettors should adjust expectations and avoid Dominican Republic run-line and shortstop props until new rosters are announced.

The World Baseball Classic will proceed without Peña, while the Astros monitor his recovery and weigh lineup adjustments over the two-week period.

Espada said Peña’s immediate availability for the WBC remains uncertain as updates continue.

The Astros will reassess Peña in two weeks to determine his role at the season’s start and to assess the broader impact on both the Dominican Republic and Houston.

Dominican Republic GM Nelson Cruz said an injury replacement for Peña would be announced soon.

Even with Peña out, the Dominican Republic roster remains loaded with stars including Juan Soto, Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, Junior Caminero, Ketel Marte, and Julio Rodríguez.