Josh Hader’s dominant return to the back end of the Astros bullpen has earned him some hardware.
Hader was named the MLB American League Reliever of the Month for August on Thursday, the ninth time he has won the award in his career and the third time as an Astro. His nine awards are the second-most since the honor was established in 2005, trailing only Edwin Díaz with 10.
Hader Was Nearly Untouchable in August
Hader did not allow a run in 13 appearances during August, pitching 14⅓ scoreless innings while allowing just four hits and one walk and striking out 15. He converted all seven of his save opportunities and held opposing hitters to an .085 batting average with a 0.35 WHIP.
Hader wasn’t the only Astros reliever to draw recognition. Bryan Abreu and AJ Blubaugh also received votes for AL Reliever of the Month, giving Houston three pitchers among those considered for the award.
The month extended a remarkable run for the Astros closer. Hader has not allowed a run since July 21, a streak that reached 20 innings across 19 appearances with his scoreless ninth inning against the White Sox on Wednesday. It is the longest scoreless streak by an Astros pitcher this season and the second-longest active streak in the majors.
A Remarkable Season After a Long Absence
Hader’s season did not begin until June after he opened the year on the injured list with left biceps tendinitis, following the left shoulder injury that ended his 2025 season.
Since returning, Hader has looked very much like the elite closer Houston expected.
Through Wednesday, he owns a 0.72 ERA and 0.67 WHIP over 37⅓ innings, with 49 strikeouts. He has converted all 22 of his save opportunities.
His dominance has become particularly important as the Astros have dealt with instability throughout the pitching staff. Houston’s rotation has struggled to provide consistent length, placing additional pressure on a bullpen that has carried a significant workload during the second half.
Hader, though, has given the Astros exactly what they need at the end of games.
He added his 22nd save Wednesday night, retiring the White Sox in order in the ninth to preserve Houston’s 2-0 victory and move the Astros two games ahead of Texas in the AL West.
Another Award for Hader
Hader previously won Reliever of the Month five times with Milwaukee and once with San Diego before joining Houston. His first Astros honor came in August 2024, followed by another in June 2025. He is the only Astros pitcher to win the award multiple times.
For the Astros, his latest award arrives at an ideal time.
With September underway and Houston trying to hold onto first place in the AL West, Hader has turned the ninth inning into one of the few areas of the pitching staff that requires very little guesswork.
Give him a lead, and lately, that has been enough.
Heading to Daikin Park soon? Check our complete Astros promotions schedule before your next game.
