The Houston Astros have been dealt another major setback, as shortstop Carlos Correa will miss the rest of the 2026 season following a serious ankle injury that requires surgery.
The injury forced Correa to be a late scratch from Houston’s 2-1 win Tuesday. By the following morning, he was seen at the ballpark using crutches and wearing a walking boot after consulting a specialist. Correa revealed Wednesday that he suffered a torn tendon in his left ankle while taking swings in the batting cage before Tuesday’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Describing the moment, he said, “It just completely snapped on me and then I fell to the ground. I couldn’t put weight on it. … Right away, I knew something was wrong.” The 31-year-old later confirmed it was a “complete tear” and expects a recovery timeline of roughly six to eight months. Correa said: “It’s tough. Not what I was expecting. Now it’s time to deal with it, face it head-on and focus on the rehab. I might not understand it now, but I’m going to keep moving forward, trusting the Lord’s plan.”
Manager Joe Espada acknowledged the emotional toll of losing a key player. “It’s just really hard,” he said. “… What he means to this team, to this organization… it sucks, but we have to move on.”
Correa, a former No. 1 overall pick and 2015 AL Rookie of the Year, returned to Houston last season after a stint with the Minnesota Twins. A central figure in the Astros’ recent success, he remains under contract through 2028, with club options beyond that.
The infielder had been producing solidly at the top of the lineup, hitting .279 with three home runs and 16 RBIs across 32 games. He split time between shortstop and third base this season, stepping in at short after Jeremy Peña went down with injury. Peña is reportedly nearing a return, which could help stabilize the infield.
Houston has already been battling a wave of injuries, including catcher Yainer Díaz and several other contributors. General manager Dana Brown called Correa’s absence “a gut punch,” but emphasized the team’s depth and belief that they can remain competitive. In Correa’s absence, the Astros have shuffled their lineup, with players like Braden Shewmake, Isaac Paredes, and Nick Allen filling in across the infield. The team also recalled Shay Whitcomb from Triple-A for additional support.
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