Astros Closer Josh Hader Eyes Postseason Return Despite Shoulder Strain
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A left capsule shoulder strain will sideline Houston Astros closer Josh Hader for at least three weeks, but the six-time All-Star remains optimistic about potentially contributing to the team’s playoff run in 2025. The injury, diagnosed Friday, marks the first time in his nine-year career that Hader has been placed on the injured list.
The Astros entered Saturday with a narrow lead in the American League West, holding a half-game advantage over the Seattle Mariners. Maintaining that position – and a potential deep postseason run – will require resilience, and Hader is determined to be part of that effort if his recovery allows.
Initial Diagnosis and Recovery Timeline
Hader initially felt discomfort in his shoulder during training earlier this week, prompting him to seek medical evaluation. “That’s when I kind of threw up the caution signs and wanted to kind of look in deeper and kind of see what was really going on,” Hader said. The diagnosis of a left capsule shoulder strain necessitates a period of rest and strengthening exercises over the next three weeks.
Following this initial phase, Hader will undergo a reevaluation to determine if he can begin a throwing program. Even if cleared to resume throwing, he anticipates needing an additional three weeks to build back to game-ready form. This timeline would likely rule him out for the remainder of the regular season.
Prioritizing Long-Term Health
Despite the challenging prognosis, Hader expressed a clear focus on his long-term health and career. “Obviously, I would love to be part of a playoff push, but realistically, I’m thinking about longevity,” he stated. “If I can get these three weeks, get healthy and start moving into a direction where I can start throwing, yeah I would be definitely optimistic.”
This cautious approach underscores the importance of responsible injury management for a player of Hader’s caliber. The Astros, currently vying for a championship, will undoubtedly balance their immediate needs with the long-term well-being of their closer.
Hader’s Impactful 2025 Season
In his second season with the Astros, Hader has been a dominant force in the bullpen. The 6-foot-2 right-hander boasts a 2.05 ERA and has recorded 28 saves in 48 appearances, ranking fifth in the league. His absence will be keenly felt, but the Astros will rely on other arms to bridge the gap until his potential return.
“We’ll see how my body recovers and how it’s taking on rehab,” Hader said. “Right now for me, I’m trying to get as strong as I can for these next three weeks and see where I go from there.” The Astros and their fans will be closely monitoring his progress, hoping for a postseason boost from one of baseball’s premier closers.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
