As Major League Baseball’s offseason winds down, teams are dealing with critical injury news during Spring Training physicals. The Arizona Diamondbacks have announced that reliever Andrew Saalfrank will miss the 2026 season after undergoing shoulder surgery Monday morning, according to insider Steve Gilbert. This loss adds to the team’s growing concerns over bullpen depth heading into the new year.
Saalfrank made 40 relief appearances for the D-backs since his 2023 debut, displaying promising potential despite setbacks. He spent the 2024 season sidelined after MLB suspended him from June 2024 to June 2025 for betting on games, totaling $445 wagered while still a prospect. Before surgery, Saalfrank recorded a 2-1 record with a 1.24 ERA in 29 innings, though his strikeout tally was relatively low at 19. Defensive support appeared to aid his performance, reflected by his 3.31 Fielding Independent Pitching and opponents’ .217 batting average on balls in play.
Despite these stats, Saalfrank was projected to fulfill a critical middle-inning role for Arizona. Now, the Diamondbacks face a depleted bullpen roster, with Justin Martinez and A.J. Puk also shut down for the upcoming season. Currently, Ryan Thompson, Kevin Ginkel, and newly acquired Kade Strowd are leading the relief corps, while additional roster decisions await after Spring Training evaluations.
Josh Hader Progresses Slowly in Shoulder Rehab With Astros
Houston Astros closer Josh Hader is working to recover from a left capsule shoulder strain that forced him to shut down in August last year. Prior to the injury, Hader had recorded 28 saves, compiling a 6-2 record and posting a strong 2.05 ERA over 48 appearances. As he moves through his offseason rehabilitation, the team is taking a cautious approach to prevent setbacks during Spring Training.
Manager Joe Espada recently revealed that after Hader’s fourth bullpen session on flat ground, the pitcher experienced discomfort which led to a 10 to 11-day break. Subsequent scans detected inflammation in the bicep, but his recovery has since shown signs of stabilization. Espada confirmed that Hader resumed bullpen work with another session scheduled on a Wednesday morning.
Given his star status and a hefty five-year, $95 million contract, the Astros intend to avoid rushing Hader back prematurely. His performance dipped in 2024, posting a 3.80 ERA that marked his first season under the new contract. However, he demonstrated resilience by bouncing back in 2025, raising expectations for his full return this year.
Implications of Recent Injuries for MLB Bullpens
The combination of Saalfrank’s surgery and Hader’s cautious rehab schedule introduces tension and uncertainty for their respective teams as Spring Training approaches. The Diamondbacks, already missing key bullpen assets Justin Martinez and A.J. Puk, now face an uphill battle to maintain effective relief pitching. The Astros must balance nurturing Hader’s health against their need for a reliable closer to protect leads.
These developments highlight how critical health management is for pitchers in today’s game, particularly for relievers whose durability directly influences late-inning outcomes. As teams finalize rosters, decisions made in the coming weeks will significantly impact both clubs’ prospects during the 2026 campaign.
Monitoring Hader’s bullpen sessions and recovery progress will remain crucial for Astros fans, while the Diamondbacks may need to explore internal options or potential trades to compensate for Saalfrank’s absence. Both franchises will enter Spring Training with cautious optimism but an underlying urgency to address these bullpen challenges effectively.
Don't have all the details yet, but @Dbacks LHP Andrew Saalfrank had shoulder surgery today and will miss the 2026 season.
— Steve Gilbert (@SteveGilbertMLB) February 9, 2026
Astros closer Josh Hader experienced “arm soreness” before his fourth bullpen session of the winter, manager Joe Espada said. Hader had imaging that revealed “bicep inflammation.” Hader is scheduled to resume his throwing program today, but his status for Opening Day is in flux
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) February 11, 2026
