Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña will begin a minor-league rehab assignment with Triple-A Sugar Land on Tuesday in his return from a fractured rib, manager Joe Espada said.

The Houston Astros decide to DFA one of its former top prospects just a day after inviting his family to a game.

BOTTOM LINE: The Houston Astros are looking to break their five-game home slide with a win against the Washington Nationals. Houston has a 33-23 record at home and a 60-46 record overall. The Astros have gone 33-7 in games when they scored at least five runs.

The Houston Astros activated outfielder Jacob Melton from the injured list before Monday’s game against the Washington Nationals. First baseman Jon Singleton was designated for assignment in a corresponding active roster move.

Houston Astros general manager Dana Brown revealed Sunday that third baseman Isaac Paredes' right hamstring strain is "a little bit more severe than we projected," according to Chandler Rome of The Athletic.

Houston Astros star Jeremy Pena is closing in on a return to the major league roster, as he'll begin a rehab assignment on Tuesday with Triple-A Sugar Land. He's been out with a fracture in his ribs.

If he can have a strong series against the Nationals, Melton could have the team look elsewhere at the deadline to bring in help via trade. He had been dealing with an ankle issue, and now, with only a few days left in July, the Astros prospect is back in the majors.