Astros closer Josh Hader to start year on Injured List due to biceps injury
Astros closer Josh Hader to start year on Injured List due to biceps injury
Criss Partee Wed, March 11, 2026 at 1:56 PM UTC
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Astros closer Josh Hader to start year on Injured List due to biceps injury
The Houston Astros won't have six-time All-Star closer Josh Hader at the start of the 2026 MLB season. Hader, who is dealing with left biceps tendinitis, is making progress in his recovery, but will not be ready by opening day, the team revealed Wednesday.
Hader, 31, was shut down early in camp due to the issue. While he was able to throw a bullpen session without issue Tuesday, Hader's timetable will push him back past the start of the season.
The injury comes after Hader missed two months last season due to a left shoulder injury. He finished the year with a 2.05 ERA over 52 2/3 innings. It was Hader's lowest inning total since 2022, when he was traded from the Milwaukee Brewers to the San Diego Padres.
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With Hader sidelined, the team barely missed out on the playoffs, going 87-75. It marked the first time since 2016 that the Astros failed to make it to the postseason.
When healthy, Hader is considered one of the best closers in the game. The veteran has a 2.64 career ERA, with a whopping 829 strikeouts over 512 1/3 innings. He's a six-time All-Star and received down-ballot Cy Young votes back in 2018. He's led the league in saves once, notching 13 during the shortened pandemic season in 2020.
With Hader sidelined at the end of last season, the Astros turned to veteran Bryan Abreu in the ninth inning. Abreu will likely serve as the team's closer until Hader is ready to return to action.
Source: “AOL Sports”
