Houston Astros All-Star closer Josh Hader will be shut down from throwing for about three weeks
Hader was placed on the injured list on Monday for the first time in his nine-year major league career because of a shoulder strain. Astros manager Joe Espada said Wednesday that Hader would seek a second opinion before determining a next course of action.
General manager Dana Brown said Hader's next three weeks will be filled with strengthening exercises and rest before he is re-examined.
'I personally view it as good news, because any time you can rehab, that's always a better option,' Brown said. 'Hopefully in these three weeks he'll feel better, and we'll get him to throwing a baseball, and life will be back to normal.'
A six-time All-Star, Hader, who is in his second year with the Astros, is 6-2 with a 2.05 ERA and is tied for third with 28 saves in 48 appearances this season.
The Astros entered play on Friday leading the American League West by 1½ games, despite having 13 players on the injured list.
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