Peña (hamstring) out of lineup but participates in pregame activities

TORONTO -- One day after Jeremy Peña exited early during Houston's 4-2 loss to the Blue Jays, the Astros kept their shortstop out of their starting lineup for Tuesday’s game at Rogers Centre.

Peña was lifted for a pinch-hitter in the sixth inning on Monday, when his right hamstring cramped following a first-pitch swing. He immediately reached toward the area, extended his right leg and walked awkwardly following the swing.

Peña wasn’t all that concerned postgame, saying he thought it was “a minor thing” and “just a normal cramp.”

Manager Joe Espada said the 28-year-old would run in the outfield and that he was hopeful Peña would be available off the bench against the Blue Jays on Tuesday.

“We went through all the tests inside,” Espada said Tuesday. “Now, the next test is for him to get out here and do everything. Take ground balls, hit on the field. He’s going to do some sprints, and then we’ll go from there.”

That Peña completed his pregame activities was a good sign for the Astros, who already have 10 players on the injured list, including middle-infield options Carlos Correa, Nick Allen and Braden Shewmake.

Jose Altuve took over in Peña’s leadoff spot for the Astros against Blue Jays starter Shane Bieber, with Raynel Delgado getting the start at shortstop.

Peña went 1-for-2 with two stolen bases on Monday before he was removed mid-at-bat. He is slashing .286/.345/.453 this season, with six homers and seven stolen bases, and he has been solid on defense in his 42 games.

The five-year veteran missed more than a month this season (April 13-May 18) with a Grade 1 right hamstring strain.

“I don’t think it has anything to do with [the previous injury],” Peña said Monday. “It’s a long season, so [we want to] catch it early.”