As the Houston Astros prepare for the 2026 season, the team is optimistic about the return of Josh Hader, their closing pitcher, who ended 2025 on the injured list due to a left shoulder strain. Hader’s absence was felt during the critical playoff push that saw the Astros miss the postseason after being overtaken by the Seattle Mariners for the American League West title. His health status is key to the Astros’ plan to reclaim their playoff position.
Staff Changes and the Importance of Hader’s Role in the Bullpen
The Astros’ pitching staff faced challenges after losing Framber Valdez to free agency, compounded by uncertainty surrounding Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai’s role. Manager Joe Espada is seeking stability in late-game situations, and a healthy Josh Hader would greatly enhance the team’s ability to close out tight games. Hader’s injury history this spring, including left biceps inflammation, caused initial setbacks, but recent developments suggest potential improvement.
Positive Signs After Spring Training Throw
On Tuesday, Hader threw 15 pitches during spring training, marking an important step in his rehabilitation. Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reported favorable results, noting Hader’s fastball speed and movement appeared intact. Hader himself commented,
“Speed is there, fastball is there, action is there, synched up. All positives,”
a reassuring update for the Astros as Opening Day approaches.
Regarding his status for the start of the season, Hader remarked, “We’ll see,” indicating that while optimism exists, no guarantees have been made about avoiding time on the injured list.
Impact of Hader’s Absence on 2025 and Potential Bullpen Solutions
When Hader was sidelined in August 2025, his absence was deeply felt, especially in late-game pressures. His last appearance was on August 10 against the New York Yankees, where he pitched two innings allowing one run and one hit, contributing to the Astros’ 5-3 win in extra innings. He closed the season with 28 saves, an impressive 2.05 ERA over 52.2 innings, and 76 strikeouts, underscoring his value to the team’s pitching staff.
Should Hader be unavailable this year, the Astros have bullpen depth to rely on, with Bryan Abreu positioned as a potential closer option. Even with Hader active, Espada aims to manage his workload carefully, likely mixing in Abreu to preserve the closer’s effectiveness through the long season.
Looking Ahead to the Season and Hader’s Role
Tuesday’s throwing session represents a significant stride forward for Josh Hader and the Astros as they edge closer to Opening Day, now just over two weeks away. The team and fans alike will be watching closely for his next outing, hoping the positive signs continue and that he can fully contribute to Houston’s bid for postseason success in 2026.
Josh Hader (biceps) returned to the mound just now, throwing about 15 pitches in the bullpen.
"Speed is there, fastball is there, action is there, synched up. All positives," he said.
When asked about Opening Day, he said: "We'll see." pic.twitter.com/PTYZlXy3Xb
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) March 10, 2026
