The Houston Astros find themselves in a crucial divisional race against the Seattle Mariners as the regular season nears its final stretch, with every game carrying added significance. In this tense environment, maintaining player health is paramount, but star closer Josh Hader has been sidelined due to a left shoulder injury, presenting a major challenge for the Astros’ playoff hopes. Manager Joe Espada confirmed that Hader expressed discomfort before the team’s recent game against the Boston Red Sox, though the exact severity of the injury remains uncertain.
Official Move: Josh Hader Joins 15-Day Injured List
On August 12, multiple sources reported that Josh Hader would be placed on the 15-day Injured List, retroactive to August 11. This roster change included the reinstatement of right-hander Shawn Dubin from the injured list and the promotion of left-hander Colton Gordon from Triple-A. To make room, right-hander Hector Neris was designated for assignment.
Astros have placed LHP Josh Hader on the 15-day IL (retro to Aug. 11) with a left shoulder strain,
Brian McTaggart of MLB.com wrote on X.
The club has also reinstated RHP Shawn Dubin from the 15-day IL, recalled LHP Colton Gordon from Triple A and designated RHP Hector Neris for assignment.
—Brian McTaggart, MLB.com
The news is a tough blow for Houston, as Hader has been instrumental throughout the season. The six-time All-Star boasts a 2.05 ERA across 52.2 innings with 76 strikeouts, maintaining a WHIP of 0.854 and securing 28 saves. His durability has been notable, marking the first time in his career that he has landed on the injured list since debuting with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2017.
Analyzing Josh Hader’s Impact on the Astros’ Bullpen
Without Hader, the Astros face uncertainty regarding their late-inning relief strategy during these high-stakes weeks. The team will need to adjust quickly and hope Hader’s recovery does not extend beyond the minimum injured list period, given his critical role in closing games effectively. His absence tests the resilience of Houston’s bullpen as they push toward the playoffs.
Hader’s 2025 Season Performance in Detail
According to MLBTradeRumors.com, Hader has returned to peak form this season after a somewhat inconsistent first year in Houston. His 2.05 earned run average across 52⅔ innings emphasizes his dominance. He has registered 28 saves with an impressive strikeout rate, fanning 36.9% of batters while maintaining a solid 7.6% walk rate. His sinker averages 95.5 mph, slightly slower than last year, but he has increasingly relied on his slider, throwing it 41.4% of the time. Remarkably, Hader’s 21.1% swinging-strike rate ties him with Mason Miller for the highest mark among all major league pitchers with at least 10 innings pitched.
After an up-and-down first year with Houston in 2024, Hader has been back to his typically dominant self in 2025. He’s totaled 52 2/3 innings and worked to a 2.05 earned run average while piling up 28 saves and punching out an outstanding 36.9% of his opponents against a quality 7.6% walk rate. Hader’s sinker is averaging 95.5 mph, down about a half-mile from last season, and he’s throwing his slider more than ever before — at a 41.4% clip. His colossal 21.1% swinging-strike rate is tied with Mason Miller for tops among all big league pitchers — starters and relievers alike — with at least 10 innings pitched this season.
—MLBTradeRumors.com
Now in the second year of a five-year, $95 million contract signed before the previous season, Hader has solidified his place as Houston’s bullpen ace. The Astros will likely turn to Bryan Abreu to fill closing duties during Hader’s absence. Abreu has delivered an outstanding 1.67 ERA over 54 innings, with an impressive 79 strikeouts this year.
Challenges Ahead for Astros’ Bullpen Without Hader
Despite Abreu’s excellence, the lack of saves on his season record highlights a pivotal question for Houston’s closer role. With the Astros locked in a tight playoff race and the importance of each game heightened, relying on a reliever without prior closing experience in 2025 adds a layer of risk. The team must navigate these final weeks without one of their most dependable pitchers while hoping for a swift recovery for Hader.