Jake Meyers’ Scare Before First Pitch Adds to Astros’ Injury Woes
It was supposed to be just another game in the long MLB season, but for the Houston Astros, Wednesday night turned into yet another chapter in their growing book of injuries. Just minutes before first pitch, center fielder Jake Meyers jogged onto the field like he had done countless times before — only this time, something wasn’t right.
In a moment that left fans holding their breath, Meyers suddenly began to limp. After a few awkward hops, he dropped to one knee in center field. It was a sight no team wants to see, especially with the kind of year the Astros have been having on the injury front.
What Actually Happened?
Jake Meyers had missed the two previous games due to what the team called “right calf tightness.” But the fact that he was slotted into the starting lineup for the series finale against the Cleveland Guardians suggested the issue might have been behind him. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case.
As he made his way out to center field for the top of the first inning, it became clear that the calf problem hadn’t healed. He began limping and hopping — a tell-tale sign something had gone wrong. Manager Joe Espada and a team trainer quickly ran out to check on him. Meyers remained down on one knee before being assisted off the field.
Instead of heading back to the dugout, he took the longer route, exiting through the right-field corner with his arm around the trainer’s shoulders. It wasn’t a great sign, and fans at Minute Maid Park were noticeably concerned.
The Bigger Picture: Astros Are Banged Up
Meyers isn’t the only Astros player sidelined or dealing with nagging issues. Injuries have plagued the team this season, and Wednesday’s development was just more salt in the wound.
Let’s break it down:
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Yordan Alvarez, the team’s powerhouse slugger, has been out since May 2 due to a right hand fracture. What was initially believed to be a muscle strain turned out to be much worse. Houston’s offense has clearly felt the absence of his bat.
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Jeremy Peña, their All-Star shortstop, is also on the Injured List (IL). He’s nursing a rib fracture, sustained after being hit by a pitch — yet another blow to the team’s infield depth and consistency.
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The pitching staff hasn’t been spared either. While this story revolves around position players, it’s worth noting that the Astros’ rotation has also seen a carousel of injuries throughout the season.
Meyers Was Having a Stellar Year
This latest injury is especially painful given how solid Jake Meyers has been in 2025. He entered Wednesday second among Astros position players in WAR (Wins Above Replacement), according to Baseball Reference. That’s no small feat on a team that’s traditionally full of stars.
Check out his numbers:
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Batting Average: .308 – ranked 5th among all qualified MLB hitters
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OPS (On-base + Slugging): .774 – the 4th highest on the Astros, trailing only Jeremy Peña, Isaac Paredes, and Cam Smith
Talk about consistency and clutch play. Meyers had quietly become one of the most reliable bats in the lineup, even during a time when some of the bigger names were absent.
Espada Rolling With the Punches
First-year manager Joe Espada certainly didn’t picture his debut campaign going like this. After years as the team’s bench coach, Espada took over managerial duties in 2025 with high hopes. But instead of coasting through a talented and healthy roster, he’s been forced to shuffle lineups almost daily.
Following Wednesday’s game, Espada didn’t sugarcoat the situation. He confirmed that Meyers had felt the calf tighten again — the same issue that had limited his availability over the weekend.
Let’s trace that timeline:
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Saturday: Meyers didn’t start against the Dodgers but appeared late as a pinch-hitter.
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Sunday: Started the game but exited in the fifth inning after feeling discomfort.
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Monday & Tuesday: Held out of action for precaution.
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Wednesday: Attempted to return, but the calf didn’t cooperate.
It’s a frustrating cycle that every athlete and coach dreads — injuries that linger, flare up, and mess with both performance and rhythm.
What Happens Now?
While the team hasn’t released a new update post-Wednesday, it’s safe to assume Meyers will miss more time. Whether that lands him on the IL or simply out for a few more games remains to be seen. But given how he exited, it wouldn’t be surprising if the team plays it safe.
Fans will want to keep an eye on the Astros’ upcoming roster moves. Depending on the severity of Meyers’ injury, a call-up from the minors or a shake-up in the outfield rotation could be next.
Here are a few names to watch as potential replacements:
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Corey Julks – solid outfield depth with occasional power
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Pedro León – offers speed and defense but still developing at the plate
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Chas McCormick – if healthy, he could slot into center field temporarily
Silver Linings, If Any
Despite the setbacks, the Astros have managed to stay competitive — a testament to their depth and resilience. Players like Isaac Paredes and Cam Smith have stepped up in a big way, giving fans hope that the team can ride the storm until reinforcements arrive.
Another positive? This all happened before the trade deadline. Depending on how serious the injuries are, Houston’s front office may now feel more urgency to seek out depth or even a short-term veteran bat for the outfield.
Final Thoughts
Jake Meyers’ injury may not have involved a dramatic collision or a loud “pop,” but in a way, that makes it more frustrating. It’s the kind of soft-tissue problem that can linger, resurface, and haunt a player for weeks or months. And for a team like Houston that’s already been bitten hard by the injury bug, this one stings.
Let’s not forget, though: The MLB season is long. With nearly half a season left to go, the Astros still have time to heal, regroup, and make a serious playoff push. But right now, they need bodies to stay healthy and some much-needed luck.
So yeah, the scene on Wednesday night wasn’t just a fluke — it was a harsh reminder that in baseball, health can often be the biggest X-factor of all.
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