{"id":114782,"date":"2026-02-26T20:42:25","date_gmt":"2026-02-27T01:42:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/?p=114782"},"modified":"2026-02-26T20:42:25","modified_gmt":"2026-02-27T01:42:25","slug":"what-all-star-closer-josh-hader-latest-setback-means-astros","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2026\/02\/26\/what-all-star-closer-josh-hader-latest-setback-means-astros\/","title":{"rendered":"What All-Star Closer\u2019s Latest Setback Means for Astros"},"content":{"rendered":"

Arguably, the biggest issue for the 2025 Houston Astros was injuries. The Astros took significant steps in the offseason for more depth on both sides of the plate to remain competitive in case of injury, and also revamped their medical staff<\/a>. It will be interesting to see if this works. <\/span>For any MLB team to have significant success, the bullpen has to be good. That was a problem for the Astros at times last season. It became a much bigger issue after closer Josh Hader<\/a> went down with a left shoulder capsule strain<\/a> in August and stayed on the injured list for the rest of the season. Hader last pitched two high-stress innings against the New York Yankees on Aug. 9 and reported discomfort shortly after.<\/p>\n

\"Josh
Apr 7, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Houston Astros first baseman Jose Abreu (79) hands the game ball to relief pitcher Josh Hader (71) after the Astros defeat the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What All-Star Closer Josh Hader’s Latest Setback Means for Astros<\/h2>\n

Hader\u2019s 2025 Season<\/h3>\n

Hader was obviously the best bullpen pitcher for the Astros, and the back of the ‘pen was significantly weaker without him. Houston struggled to hold leads and often gave up runs once starters exited. The Astros obviously need a healthy Hader in order to win against the best. Although his injury prognosis was strong back during the 2025 season, there was no question in anybody\u2019s mind that he would be ready for the start of the 2026 season.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The flame-throwing lefty has established himself as one of the best closers in the game and earned his sixth All-Star selection in 2025. Hader went 28\/29 on saves and posted a 2.05 ERA in 52 2\/3 innings with a 6-2 record, his best year as an Astro. The 6-foot-3, 188-pound reliever added 76 strikeouts and a .158 opponent average.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He finished his shoulder rehab in November after reaching 87 mph and picked back up in bullpen sessions starting in January. All seemed well.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Spring Setback<\/h3>\n

Unfortunately for the Astros, that did not look like the case in February. Manager Joe Espada<\/a> announced on Feb. 11 at the start of spring training that Hader is dealing with biceps tendinitis<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Hader mentioned that he was going into his fourth bullpen session and that one change-up pitch didn\u2019t feel right. He felt it again the next day on the same pitch. The more intense he got in his sessions, the more he felt the discomfort and soreness. <\/span>Espada said they got imaging done immediately and found inflammation in his bicep tendon.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe bicep got inflamed, so I took about 10 days off and started to let that heal,\u201d Hader said. <\/span>Feb. 11 was the first day of catch, and he felt \u201cpretty good\u201d.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA little setback, but nothing too concerning for me. Just building back up now and getting ready for the season,\u201d Hader said.<\/p>\n

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Josh Hader said he\u2019s a few weeks behind schedule but felt fine after resuming throwing off flat ground today pic.twitter.com\/6pkR0kr5mo<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) February 11, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n