"I think we still have a little bit more time. Once we start getting down to that we'll talk more on that, but right now it's still premature just to see where we're at by March 26. Manager Joe Espada declined to specify when Hader might increase his throwing or confirm Opening Day availability, citing the need to assess his status closer to the season's start."
"Because Hader is a relief pitcher built for a limited workload, he naturally doesn't require as much ramp-up as a starter. In each of the last three years, however, Hader has made at least six appearances in Spring Training games, and matching that number may be difficult given that we're less than a month away from Houston's first regular-season contest."
"Bryan Abreu covered the majority of save chances when Hader was on the injured list last season, so Abreu would probably be Houston's top choice as interim closer if Hader needs a 15-day IL stint to begin the 2026 campaign. While Abreu has more than proven himself capable of high-leverage work, obviously removing a star closer like Hader from the equation weakens the bullpen depth chart as a whole."
Josh Hader, the Astros' closer, suffered biceps inflammation in late January that has restricted his throwing to casual games of catch during Spring Training. Manager Joe Espada indicated this limited throwing would continue through the week, with no timeline provided for increased throwing progression or Opening Day availability. Relief pitchers typically require less ramp-up time than starters, but Hader historically makes at least six Spring Training appearances. This injury follows a left capsule sprain that ended his 2025 season prematurely. Bryan Abreu served as interim closer during Hader's absence last season and would likely assume that role if Hader requires a 15-day IL stint to start 2026, potentially weakening overall bullpen depth.
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