WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Houston Astros manager Joe Espada confirmed Wednesday that closer Josh Hader will begin the 2026 season on the injured list as he continues recovering from biceps inflammation. In his absence, hard-throwing right-hander Bryan Abreu is expected to take over ninth-inning duties to start the year.
Hader Continuing Spring Ramp-Up
Hader, who turns 32 in April, threw his first bullpen session of spring training on Tuesday and is scheduled to throw several additional times before progressing to live hitters.
Espada expressed cautious optimism following the outing but acknowledged that an injured list stint is unavoidable while the Astros manage Hader’s buildup carefully.
The veteran left-hander finished the 2025 season strongly despite dealing with injury issues. Hader missed the final stretch of last year with a shoulder capsule strain before arriving in camp this spring with lingering biceps inflammation.
Even with those setbacks, Hader remained one of the most effective relievers in the American League last season, posting a 2.05 ERA with 28 saves across 48 appearances for Houston.
Bryan Abreu Ready for Closing Role
If the Astros need someone to protect late leads while Hader completes his ramp-up, Bryan Abreu represents the most logical choice.
The 28-year-old right-hander has been one of Houston’s most dependable high-leverage arms for several seasons and already has experience in the role. Abreu recorded seven saves in 2025 and frequently handled critical moments in October and late-season games.
His arsenal fits the closer profile:
- Upper-90s fastball
- Sharp, swing-and-miss slider
- Ability to generate strikeouts in high-pressure situations
Houston has trusted Abreu in the most difficult spots before, and the transition to the ninth inning should be a familiar one.
Timeline Depends on Hader’s Recovery
How long Abreu holds the job will ultimately depend on Hader’s recovery timeline. The Astros want their All-Star closer fully built up before activating him, particularly after last year’s shoulder issue and the early-spring biceps inflammation.
Until then, the ninth inning appears to belong to Abreu.
For a bullpen that has consistently been one of the Astros’ strengths during their recent run of contention, the club still has a reliable option to close games while waiting for Hader’s return.