The specter of last season's pitching injuries looms large over the Houston Astros once again, as their highest-paid arm, Josh Hader, is already facing uncertainty just as spring training begins.
It's a scenario that no Astros fan wants to relive: the playoff hopes of the previous season being torpedoed by injuries, particularly to the pitching staff. Now, with pitchers and catchers reporting to Florida, the team's most significant investment in a hurler, Josh Hader, is grappling with lingering health concerns. This has fans understandably on edge, fearing a repeat of last year's devastating outcome.
According to reports, Astros closer Josh Hader has been limited to light throwing sessions and flat-ground exercises. While the team is aiming to get a clearer picture of his status later this week, it's becoming increasingly apparent that his start to the season might be delayed. This is particularly concerning given his injury history.
Last August, Hader was placed on the 15-day injured list due to a shoulder strain, an ailment that ultimately cut his 2025 campaign short. He was the marquee acquisition during Houston's free agency period two years ago, and he's currently in the third year of a substantial five-year, $95 million contract. Before his season was cut short, Hader demonstrated his elite talent, posting an impressive 2.05 earned run average with 76 strikeouts over 52⅔ innings pitched, and securing 28 saves. But here's where it gets concerning...
As pitchers and catchers arrive, Hader's readiness for Opening Day is far from a certainty, and it's a situation that warrants close observation. The Astros are reportedly planning to begin the season with a six-man starting rotation. This strategy, while potentially beneficial for managing starter innings, will undoubtedly place additional strain on an already critical bullpen during the demanding months of March and April.
If Hader is indeed healthy and ready to go, he's expected to be one of three left-handed relievers on Houston's Opening Day roster, alongside Bryan King and Steven Okert. Bennett Sousa and Tom Cosgrove are also vying for a spot, adding depth to the bullpen options.
And this is the part most people miss... If Hader is unable to pitch when the 2026 season kicks off, the responsibility of closing games would likely fall to Bryan Abreu. Abreu proved himself capable last season, appearing in 70 games with a 2.28 ERA and recording seven saves. It's worth noting that other relievers like Sousa, King, Okert, Colton Gordon, and Jason Alexander also managed at least one save last season, showcasing a collective effort in closing out games.
Given the widespread pitching injuries that plagued the Astros throughout the 2025 season, fans will undoubtedly be scrutinizing Hader's progress this spring with bated breath. Following last year's disappointing performance, the Astros' training staff underwent some significant changes during the offseason. The question remains: will these adjustments be enough to prevent a recurrence of last year's injury woes?
What are your thoughts? Do you believe the Astros' training staff changes will be sufficient to keep the pitching staff healthy this season, or are we in for another year of bullpen struggles? Let us know in the comments below!
