Astros closer Josh Hader lands on injured list due to shoulder strain, compromising Houston's advantage in AL West race
Astros' Closer Josh Hader Sidelined with Shoulder Injury
The Houston Astros are facing a challenging period as their star closer, Josh Hader, has been placed on the injured list due to a left shoulder capsule strain. The injury occurred during a workout and he was unavailable to pitch in the game against the Boston Red Sox.
Hader's absence is an unwelcome development for the Astros, who are currently without several key contributors, including Isaac Paredes, Yordan Alvarez, Jake Meyers, Ronel Blanco, Lance McCullers Jr., Luis Garcia, and Hayden Wesneski.
The Astros' lead has slipped away since July 30, with a record of 5-5, while the Seattle Mariners have a record of 9-1 over the same period. The team is currently holding a one-game lead over the Mariners in the American League West.
Hader's injury will keep him out of action for at least six weeks, with an additional three weeks of ramp-up throwing required before he can pitch in games. This effectively rules him out for the remainder of the regular season, but he aims to return for the postseason. However, his return is not guaranteed and will depend on his recovery progress.
In Hader's absence, Bryan Abreu is seen as the primary candidate to take over closing duties. Abreu is considered one of the best relievers in the game and has already shown his prowess by being credited with his fifth career save (fourth of the season) after striking out the only batter he faced in the ninth inning of the game against the Boston Red Sox.
Other bullpen arms who can contribute in setup or relief roles include Bennett Sousa, Steven Okert, Bryan King, and newly signed veteran Enyel De Los Santos. Reliever Shawn Dubin is also rehabbing and may return soon to provide depth.
Manager Joe Espada is expected to continue using a committee approach for pitching, including Abreu and King. In the ninth inning of the game against the Boston Red Sox, Espada used a combination of relievers, De Los Santos and Sousa.
The Astros have been managing injuries across their pitching staff, with some starters like Lance McCullers Jr. slated to come back soon, which may help the overall pitching situation.
Despite the challenges, the Astros remain optimistic and are focusing on recovery and rehabilitation for their injured players. Hader, with his 2.05 ERA (202 ERA+) and a 4.75 strikeout-to-walk ratio, will be sorely missed, but the team is confident in the abilities of their other relievers to step up in his absence.
- Given Hader's injury, sports betting enthusiasts might need to reconsider their MLB bets for the Astros' upcoming games and season.
- The Astros' victory in the game against the Boston Red Sox, despite Hader's unavailability, was secured by Bryan Abreu's impressive performance as their new closing option.
- With Hader's absence for the remainder of the regular season, teams in the MLB might see an opening to challenge the Astros' lead in the American League West.
- The Astros' success this season will heavily rely on the performance of their other relievers, especially Bryan Abreu, as they navigate through Hader's extended absence.
