Full Breakdown
Josh Hader Begins 2026 Season on Injured List
3/12/2026, 1:07:38 PM
Overview of Hader's Injury Situation
Houston Astros closer Josh Hader will begin the 2026 MLB season on the 15-day injured list due to biceps inflammation, as confirmed by manager Joe Espada. Hader, who is 31 years old, has been dealing with this issue since spring training, having reported to camp behind schedule after experiencing bicep tightness during an offseason bullpen session. He missed the final two months of the 2025 season due to a left shoulder capsule strain, raising concerns about his overall health.
Performance and Recovery Timeline
Hader's performance in the 2025 season was notable; he recorded a 2.05 ERA with 28 saves and 76 strikeouts over 52.2 innings. However, his recovery from the biceps issue will extend past the Astros' opening game against the Los Angeles Angels on March 26. Hader's first bullpen session of spring training saw him throw 15 pitches, but he only reached 87 mph, indicating he is not yet ready for competitive play.
Replacement in the Closer Role
In Hader's absence, right-hander Bryan Abreu is expected to take over the closer role. Abreu had a successful 2025 season, recording seven saves and a career-high 105 strikeouts in 71 innings. Espada expressed confidence in Abreu's ability to handle high-leverage situations, stating, “It feels great having Bryan... We do have guys in camp that we feel good about getting those last outs for us late in games.”
Official Statements & Responses
Manager Joe Espada noted that while it is not ideal to be without Hader at the start of the season, the team has capable pitchers ready to step up. Hader himself emphasized the importance of a cautious approach to his recovery, stating, “If I started setting a (timetable), I don't want to get to the point where I'm going to be rushing it and something long-term happens.”
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the optimism surrounding Abreu's capabilities, some analysts have raised concerns about Hader's injury history and its potential impact on the Astros' season. The combination of Hader's previous shoulder injury and current biceps tendinitis has made him a riskier option for fantasy leagues, as noted by various sports commentators.
What's Next
The Astros will monitor Hader's recovery closely, with hopes that his stint on the injured list will be brief. The team is set to open the regular season on March 26, and the performance of Abreu and other bullpen options will be critical during Hader's absence.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I had a little bit of momentum down the mound, so I felt good,” — Josh Hader, Astros Closer
- “We’ve done that with those guys. It’s not ideal not having Hader to start the season, but we do have guys in camp that we feel good about getting those last outs for us late in games.” — Joe Espada, Astros Manager
