Astros’ Josh Hader to Begin Season on Injured List with Biceps Injury

Houston Astros closer Josh Hader will start the 2026 season on the injured list, manager Joe Espada announced Wednesday morning. The Astros open their season on March 26 against the Los Angeles Angels.

Hader’s Road to Recovery

Hader missed the final two months of the 2025 season due to a left shoulder capsule strain. He indicated at the start of spring training that he was “a few weeks behind” after being diagnosed with biceps tendinitis in February. He threw his first bullpen session of spring training on Tuesday, and reported feeling well.

“I had a little bit of momentum down the mound, so I felt excellent,” Hader said. “I felt like my body was in sync.”

Hader threw approximately 15 fastballs during the bullpen session, closely monitored by pitching coaches Josh Miller and Ethan Katz. Astros general manager Dana Brown also observed intently.

“The ball was coming out effortless,” Miller said. “It was his first normal bullpen in a while and he had the governor on for a while, but he looked good.”

Espada noted Hader reached 87 mph, but was asked to reduce his velocity to 81-84 mph given it was his first bullpen in six weeks.

Impact on the Astros Bullpen

With Hader’s delayed start, the Astros may turn to Bryan Abreu as the closer, as they did late in the 2025 season. The team bolstered its pitching depth during the offseason to mitigate potential injuries.

Newcomers Ryan Weiss, Peter Lambert, and Kai-Wei Teng have performed well this spring and could contribute as multiple-inning relievers. However, the Astros are most effective with Hader closing games.

Hader’s 2025 Performance

Hader saved 28 games for the Astros in 2025 and was selected to his sixth All-Star team. He landed on the 15-day injured list in August after experiencing left shoulder discomfort during a workout at Daikin Park. He did not pitch again after his August 8 outing against the New York Yankees, where he pitched two innings.

Hader completed his rehab from the shoulder injury in November and resumed throwing in January, reaching 85-87 mph in bullpens without issue. The biceps injury occurred during his fourth bullpen session of the season while throwing a changeup.

In June 2025, Hader was named the American League Reliever of the Month, going 4-1 with a 1.98 ERA and converting all nine save opportunities in 14 appearances. He allowed just six hits, one walk, and recorded 22 strikeouts, with a 0.51 WHIP, a .128 opponents’ batting average, and 14.49 strikeouts per nine innings. He successfully converted his first 25 save chances, setting a new club record.