Houston Astros’ closer Josh Hader is facing uncertainty regarding his participation on Opening Day as he recovers from left biceps soreness, Astros manager Joe Espada revealed Wednesday. The six-time All-Star left-hander has been progressing through his throwing program but had a paused schedule earlier this winter following imaging that showed inflammation in his left arm.
Details on Hader’s Recent Injury and Recovery Efforts
Hader resumed throwing during the team’s first session with pitchers and catchers on Wednesday after being sidelined from pitching for over a week. General manager Dana Brown noted the difficulty in predicting when Hader might return to full activity.
“I don’t know really the timeline on it,”
Brown said.
“The good thing is he was ramping it up and was on his fourth (bullpen session). The first three were seamless. The good thing is he feels good right now, he’s been feeling good for a few days and he’s going to throw today.”
Clarifying the Nature of the Arm Issue
Medical staff do not believe Hader’s current biceps soreness is connected to the left shoulder capsule strain that forced him to miss the final 46 games last season. That shoulder injury marked Hader’s first stint on the injured list in nine years unrelated to illness. In December, Hader expressed confidence that his shoulder had healed, stating he felt “back to normal” during a charity event.
Hader’s Performance and Career Highlights
Last season, Hader posted a 6-2 record with a 2.05 ERA across 48 appearances for Houston and converted 28 of 29 save chances. The 31-year-old has accumulated 227 saves over nine Major League seasons, pitching for the Milwaukee Brewers (2017-22), San Diego Padres (2022-23), and currently the Astros (2024-25). His career totals include a 34-31 win-loss mark and a 2.64 ERA through 468 relief appearances.
Implications for the Astros’ Bullpen and Next Steps
As the Astros prepare for the start of the season, Hader’s biceps soreness keeps his availability in doubt, leaving the team cautious about their closer role. Manager Joe Espada and Dana Brown will continue monitoring his progress during bullpen sessions to determine if he can contribute at the season’s outset. The team’s patience in allowing Hader to fully recover may prove crucial in maintaining bullpen strength moving forward.
