WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Josh Hader threw his first bullpen session of the spring Tuesday, a modest but meaningful step in his recovery from biceps inflammation. Whether he’ll be ready when the Astros open the season March 26 against the Angels remains an open question.
Hader threw roughly 15 fastballs off the mound. Nothing elaborate, just a chance to feel the slope again and work the fastball into the strike zone. By his own account, the session went well.
“Felt good,” Hader said. “The biggest thing was to feel the mound, make sure I was synced up and throwing the fastball over the plate.”
But when asked directly whether an Opening Day appearance was realistic, the six-time All-Star didn’t offer any guarantees.
“I don’t know, honestly,” Hader said. “We’re week by week and seeing where we’re at, how we’re progressing.”
Hader is scheduled to throw another bullpen later this week, with several additional sessions expected before he progresses to facing live hitters. With 16 days remaining until Opening Day, the timetable is tight.
General manager Dana Brown acknowledged last week that Hader still needs to build up, adding pointedly: “I don’t think we have to rush this.”
If Hader isn’t ready, Bryan Abreu would likely assume the closer’s role.
Hader is entering the third season of his five-year, $95 million contract and is coming off a year that ended early with a shoulder capsule sprain, making this the second consecutive spring in which his health has been a concern.
Tuesday represented progress. Whether it will be enough to have him ready by Opening Day is still uncertain.