40th anniversary of the designated hitter KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Just one week remains before the Astros officially enter a new frontier and begin life as an in-flux rebuilding club in the highly competitive American League. If all goes according to plan, 12-year veteran Carlos Pena will become the team’s primary designated hitter, joining players such as Bud Norris, Jose Altuve and Jason Castro as the initial links to the Astros’ new world. How does Pena plan to handle the honor and responsibility? By not thinking about it. Ever. Pena, 34, proudly considers himself an in-the-blood first baseman. And rightfully so. During the 1,386 games Pena has played during an MLB [...]