Trending Now - Pitchers Face Uncertainty as Spring Bullpen Sessions Begin
WHO:
Joe Espada, manager of the Houston Astros
Josh Hader, All-Star closer for the Houston Astros
Bryan Abreu, veteran setup man for the Houston Astros
Ryan Weiss, pitcher signed to a one-year deal with the Astros
Peter Lambert, pitcher signed to a Minor League contract with the Astros
Christian Roa, pitcher signed to a Minor League contract with the Astros
Josh Hader, All-Star closer for the Houston Astros
Bryan Abreu, veteran setup man for the Houston Astros
Joe Espada, manager of the Houston Astros
Brian McTaggart, supervising club reporter for MLB.com
Ryan Weiss, pitcher signed to a one-year deal with the Astros
Peter Lambert, pitcher signed to a Minor League contract with the Astros
Christian Roa, pitcher signed to a Minor League contract with the Astros
Taylor Trammell, outfielder for the Houston Astros
Brice Matthews, first-round draft pick for the Houston Astros
WHAT:
Hader is scheduled to throw again a few more times before facing live hitters.
Hader had a 6-2 record with 28 saves and a 2.05 ERA in 48 appearances for the Astros in 2025.
Abreu saved seven of eight games as Houston’s closer in his final 18 appearances last season, with a 2.28 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in 71 innings.
Josh Hader will begin the 2026 MLB season on the injured list due to biceps tendinitis.
Hader saved 28 games for the Astros in 2025 and made his sixth All-Star team.
Bryan Abreu will serve as the closer for the Astros until Hader returns.
Hader had a 2.05 ERA and 28 saves in 48 appearances during the 2025 season.
Hader was diagnosed with biceps tendinitis at the start of February 2026.
Hader threw his first bullpen session of spring training on March 9th, 2026, hitting 87 mph.
Abreu had a 3.86 ERA with 27 strikeouts in 18 2/3 innings as Houston’s closer in his final 18 appearances last season.
Hader was placed on the 15-day injured list in August 2025 due to a left shoulder capsule strain.
WHERE:
West Palm Beach, Florida, where the Astros' spring training is taking place.
Daikin Park, where Hader reported shoulder discomfort in August 2025.
WHEN:
Hader's first bullpen session of spring training was on March 9th, 2026.
Hader is expected to throw one or two more bullpens before facing hitters in live batting practice.
Hader's first bullpen session of spring training was on March 9th, 2026.
Hader was diagnosed with biceps tendinitis at the start of February 2026.
Hader's last appearance in 2025 was on August 8th against the Yankees.
WHY:
Hader's placement on the injured list is due to biceps tendinitis, which is a setback in his recovery process.
HOW:
Hader threw about 15 pitches, all fastballs, during his first bullpen session, while being watched by pitching coaches Josh Miller and Ethan Katz.
Hader's recovery involved throwing bullpens, with his first session hitting 87 mph.
Abreu is expected to take over the closer role based on his previous performance and capabilities.
(UPDATED March 12, 2026 01:27 UTC)
In Houston, the Astros are gearing up for the season with several key players, including manager Joe Espada, All-Star closer Josh Hader, and veteran setup man Bryan Abreu. Hader recently had his first bullpen session of spring training on March 9, where he threw about 15 fastballs under the watchful eyes of pitching coaches, and he’s expected to throw a couple more times before facing live hitters. Last season, Hader recorded a solid 6-2 record with 28 saves and a 2.05 ERA, while Abreu excelled as a closer, saving seven of eight games with a 2.28 ERA in his final appearances.
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(UPDATED March 11, 2026 17:17 UTC)
In a significant development for the Houston Astros, All-Star closer Josh Hader will begin the 2026 MLB season on the injured list due to biceps tendinitis, a setback in his recovery process. Until Hader returns, veteran setup man Bryan Abreu will step in as the closer, having previously recorded a 3.86 ERA with 27 strikeouts in his last 18 appearances last season. Hader, who saved 28 games and made his sixth All-Star team in 2025, threw his first bullpen session of spring training on March 9, hitting 87 mph, but was diagnosed with his current injury at the start of February.