Houston Astros closer Josh Hader was examined for a sore shoulder that prevented him from pitching in the team’s 7-6 victory against the visiting Boston Red Sox on Monday. The injury came shortly after Hader delivered a season-high 36 pitches in a win against the New York Yankees three days earlier.

Sequence of Events Leading to Hader’s Shoulder Concerns

Hader did not appear in the Astros‘ game on Saturday when New York defeated Houston. He pitched in a bullpen session on Sunday in preparation for a possible game appearance but was ultimately not called upon as Houston secured a 7-1 win over the Yankees.

Astros manager Joe Espada described Hader’s symptoms on Monday:

“He walked in today and he was doing his (plyometrics) before doing his throwing program and just did not feel right,”

Espada stated.

“We went ahead and got some testing done, and we’re waiting on the results and should know something more tomorrow.”

Hader’s Track Record and Importance to the Astros

At 31 years old, Hader is in the second year of a five-year, $95 million contract with Houston. This season, he made his sixth All-Star team and boasts 28 saves in 29 opportunities, alongside a 6-2 record and a 2.05 ERA. He has recorded 76 strikeouts with just 16 walks across 52 2/3 innings pitched.

Before joining the Astros as a free agent in January 2024, Hader played for the Milwaukee Brewers from 2017 to 2022 and the San Diego Padres in 2022 and 2023. Over his career, he is 227-for-257 in save chances, with a 34-31 win-loss record and a 2.64 ERA, accumulating 829 strikeouts and 198 walks in 512 1/3 innings.

How Houston Managed the Closing Role in Hader’s Absence

With Hader sidelined on Monday, right-handed reliever Enyel De Los Santos recorded the final out of the eighth inning and started the ninth inning holding a 7-6 lead. After retiring the first two batters, De Los Santos allowed a double, prompting left-hander Bennett Sousa to enter and secure the save by striking out Roman Anthony for his fourth save of the year.

Outlook and Next Steps for Hader and the Astros

Josh Hader’s shoulder condition is currently under evaluation, with test results expected soon. His health remains crucial for Houston, given his dominant performance this season and role as the team’s closer. The Astros will likely monitor his status over the coming days to determine when he can safely return to the mound and continue his impact on the team’s bullpen.