Houston Astros reliever Josh Hader will start the upcoming season on the injured list as he continues to deal with inflammation in his biceps, the team announced. The left-hander had been expected to anchor the back end of Houston’s bullpen, but the issue has persisted long enough that the club opted to place him on the IL rather than push him into game action before he is fully ready.
Hader’s role will be filled, at least temporarily, by right-hander Bryan Abreu, who will take over closing duties while Hader is sidelined. Abreu has emerged as one of the Astros’ most trusted late-inning arms in recent seasons, and the team will lean on his power repertoire to finish games until Hader is cleared to return. The change in roles reflects the club’s confidence in Abreu’s ability to handle high-leverage situations and protect late leads.
The Astros have not publicly detailed a precise timetable for Hader’s return, focusing instead on ensuring that the inflammation subsides and that he can build up properly before rejoining the bullpen. Biceps inflammation can affect a pitcher’s ability to maintain command and velocity, and clubs typically proceed cautiously with such injuries to avoid setbacks. Until Hader is ready, Houston’s relief corps is expected to adjust around Abreu in the ninth inning, with other relievers likely shifting into different spots in the middle and late innings.
Hader joined the Astros to give the team another established late-inning option, and his absence to begin the year will test the bullpen’s depth early in the season. Even so, Houston has experience managing changes in bullpen roles, and the presence of Abreu in the closer position offers continuity at the back end. The club will monitor Hader’s recovery and make decisions on his workload and role based on how he responds to treatment and throwing sessions. For now, the Astros enter the season with Abreu set to handle closing responsibilities, while Hader focuses on returning to full health.
