Josh Hader’s Health a Key Question Mark as Astros Open Spring Training

The Houston Astros are back in camp, but the ghosts of last season’s injury woes-especially on the mound-are still looming. And right now, all eyes are on Josh Hader.

The Astros’ high-priced closer isn’t yet at full throttle as pitchers and catchers report to Florida. Hader, who landed on the injured list last August with a shoulder strain that ended his season, is still easing his way back.

According to reports, he’s been throwing lightly and only on flat ground, with the team expecting more clarity on his status later this week. That’s not exactly the kind of update Astros fans were hoping for.

Let’s be clear: there’s no panic button being pushed just yet. But with Opening Day on the horizon and Houston planning to roll with a six-man rotation to start the year, any uncertainty in the bullpen becomes magnified. If Hader isn’t ready to go, that’s a big piece missing from the back end of the Astros’ relief corps.

Hader was the crown jewel of Houston’s 2024 offseason, signing a five-year, $95 million deal to anchor the bullpen. And when he was healthy last year, he was every bit the shutdown closer the Astros paid for-posting a 2.05 ERA, striking out 76 over 52 ⅔ innings, and locking down 28 saves. But that shoulder strain cut his season short, and now, as he enters Year 3 of the deal, the big question is whether he’ll be ready when the games start to count.

If Hader isn’t available out of the gate, Bryan Abreu is the logical next man up. He was quietly one of the most reliable arms in the pen last season, with a 2.28 ERA across 70 appearances and seven saves to his name. He’s got the stuff and the temperament to close, and he’s done it before.

Behind Abreu, the Astros have a mix of lefties and swingmen who could help bridge the gap. Bryan King and Steven Okert are likely to make the Opening Day roster, while Bennett Sousa and Tom Cosgrove are still in the mix.

All four are left-handers, and all bring different looks and strengths. King and Okert have the inside track, but Sousa and Cosgrove will get their shot this spring.

Houston’s bullpen depth was tested last year-and not always with great results. Injuries across the board forced the Astros to get creative, and several arms, including Colton Gordon and Jason Alexander, were called on to step into high-leverage spots.

Both of them, along with the rest of the bullpen, recorded at least one save last season. That kind of experience could come in handy again if Hader’s shoulder isn’t ready for the grind of April.

There’s also been some change behind the scenes. After a 2025 season that saw too many pitchers sidelined, the Astros made adjustments to their training staff this offseason. It’s too early to know how much of an impact that’ll have, but the hope is that a new approach to player health and recovery can keep the team’s arms on the field and off the IL.

For now, the Astros are in wait-and-see mode with Hader. But make no mistake-his health is one of the biggest storylines of this spring.

If he’s right, Houston’s bullpen is a weapon. If he’s not, the ripple effects could be felt all season long.