Manager Joe Espada said sitting Jeremy Peña was part of his "buildup" after missing more than a month because of injury.

Jason Alexander pitched six scoreless innings, Jeremy Peña doubled twice and the Houston Astros used a five-run fourth to beat the Miami Marlins 8-2 on Monday night.

Heading into the Astros series against the Washington Nationals on Monday, Houston was able to give an update on Jeremy Pena, who's been rehabbing a small rib fracture he sustained after getting hit by a pitch against the Chicago Cubs on June 27.

Back in the leadoff spot for Houston, Peña finished 3-for-5 with three singles. He flied out in each of his final two at-bats, including to end the top of the 10th inning. He was replaced on defense in the bottom of the 10th after his right hamstring “cramped up” in that last at-bat, manager Joe Espada said.

HOUSTON — Houston shortstop Jeremy Peña will begin a rehabilitation assignment at Triple-A Sugar Land on Tuesday night. Peña has been out since suffering a small rib fracture when he was hit by a pitch on June 27 against the Chicago Cubs .

The Houston Astros are easing shortstop Jeremy Pena back into their lineup as he continues to recover from injuries.