WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The Astros’ bullpen picture grew more complicated Thursday.
Manager Joe Espada confirmed that left-hander Bennett Sousa will open the 2026 season on the injured list with a left oblique strain, removing another key arm from Houston’s relief mix just one week before Opening Day.
Sousa suffered the injury on a fielding play during his March 12 Grapefruit League outing and returned to Houston for evaluation. He will not resume throwing until the discomfort subsides, Espada said.
The timing is a setback for a reliever who had carved out a meaningful role last season. Sousa posted a 2.84 ERA across 44 appearances before an elbow strain ended his year in late August. He entered camp fully healthy and made three spring appearances before the oblique issue surfaced.
Houston will now begin the season without two of its most trusted late-inning options. Josh Hader is also slated to open on the injured list as he works back from a biceps issue, leaving Bryan Abreu in line to handle closing duties. Bryan King and Steven Okert are expected to factor into setup roles, while Enyel De Los Santos (right knee strain) remains a possibility for Opening Day but has not yet been cleared.
Sousa’s absence may open a path for Roddery Muñoz, Houston’s Rule 5 selection from Cincinnati. Muñoz has impressed this spring, posting a 2.16 ERA over 8⅓ innings entering Thursday, and must make the Opening Day roster or be offered back to the Reds.
With the season opener against the Angels approaching, the Astros are still sorting through bullpen roles. Sousa’s injury doesn’t just remove a piece—it raises the stakes for the decisions that remain.