The Houston Astros are confronting a serious setback as All-Star closer Josh Hader suffers a left shoulder capsule strain, which could sideline him for an extended period. This injury has come at a critical time when the Astros have slumped to a 9-15 record over their last 24 games, intensifying concerns about their bullpen’s effectiveness.

Consequences of the Closer’s Absence on Houston’s Performance

Hader is expected to miss at least three weeks due to the injury, with an additional three weeks required for rehabilitation before he can pitch again, likely delaying his return until the postseason. During his absence, the Astros have relied on Bryan Abreu and other relievers to handle late-inning situations, but the results have been poor. Houston’s pitchers have conceded 30 runs from the seventh inning onward across nine games, resulting in a 10.00 ERA over 27 innings, highlighting the bullpen’s struggles without Hader.

Limited Opportunities to Strengthen the Bullpen Post-Trade Deadline

With the trade deadline behind them, the Astros have fewer options to improve their bullpen through trades. Nonetheless, as the regular season draws to a close, non-contending teams may start placing pitchers on waivers, offering Houston a chance to acquire reinforcements without committing to large contracts.

Kenley Jansen Emerges as a Prominent Bullpen Candidate

Veteran reliever Kenley Jansen of the Los Angeles Angels has attracted attention as a potential pickup for the Astros. Having faced Jansen during the 2017 World Series against the Dodgers, Houston is well-acquainted with the seasoned closer. This season, Jansen has demonstrated strong performance, recording a 2.65 ERA with 23 saves over 47 innings and maintaining a WHIP slightly above one. His recent recognition as the American League Reliever of the Month for July further underscores his value as a reliable late-inning option.

Navigating the Closing Stretch and Postseason Ambitions

As the Astros approach the final stages of the season, the addition of a proven reliever like Jansen could be critical in addressing their bullpen deficiencies and reinforcing their chances in the postseason. The team’s decision on how to manage their pitching staff will be vital as they seek to recover from recent difficulties and return to winning form.