Astros Manager Gives Worrisome Update on Elite Closer
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An injury-riddled season for the Houston Astros continues to get worse.
The team announced Tuesday that All-Star closer Josh Hader would be hitting the injured list due to a left shoulder strain.
Astros manager Joe Espada gave an update on Hader while speaking to the media on Wednesday and it was not what fans wanted to hear.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 08: Josh Hader #71 of the Houston Astros pitches during the tenth inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on August 08, 2025 in the Bronx borough...
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 08: Josh Hader #71 of the Houston Astros pitches during the tenth inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on August 08, 2025 in the Bronx borough of New York City. MoreAstros beat writer Brian McTaggart reported that Hader will get a second opinion on his shoulder and gave an update on what Espada said about the injury.
"This is going to take a little bit longer than the two weeks," Espada told reporters.
Espada would not disclose information on what the first opinion for Hader revealed.
Astros manager Joe Espada said Josh Hader is seeking a second opinion for his shoulder strain, but there's no word on what the first opinion said.
'This is going to take a little bit longer than the two weeks,' he said. — Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) August 13, 2025
Hader has been among the league's elite closers over the last several seasons and this year was trending toward one of the best of his career.
A 2.05 ERA with 28 saves and 76 strikeouts across 48 appearances 52 2/3 innings ranked in the top of the league among closers.
Hader had allowed just one run over his last seven appearances before hitting the injured list.
Along with that, he's only allowed multiple runs three times this season.
Stocked up on Haderade.
ICYMI: As of last night, Josh Hader is one of five active relief pitchers to reach 800 career strikeouts.#BuiltForThis x @budweiserusa pic.twitter.com/BlZBwvglgC — Houston Astros (@astros) June 15, 2025
Hader is a huge reason that the Astros bullpen ranks sixth in MLB with a 3.56 ERA this season.
If his shoulder strain causes him to miss an extended period of time, Houston has plenty of trustworthy options to fill its closer role for the remainder of the season.
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