Astros Get Encouraging Injury Updates on Peña, Hader Ahead of Road Trip
The Houston Astros head out on a 10-game road trip to Sacramento, Denver, and Seattle beginning Friday, and manager Joe Espada offered some cautiously encouraging injury news before Wednesday’s series finale against the Red Sox. The most immediate update…
The Closer Question: Breaking Down the 2026 Astros Bullpen
Five games into the 2026 season, the Houston Astros bullpen is already the most pressing storyline in the organization, and it may stay that way for a while. Josh Hader, the anchor of the back end, is on the injured list with biceps tendinitis. General…
AJ Blubaugh May Be the Astros’ Most Valuable Bullpen Arm — And Nobody’s Talking About It
While questions swirl about who isn’t in the Houston Astros bullpen this season—Framber Valdez in Detroit, Josh Hader on the injured list, Bennett Sousa sidelined—AJ Blubaugh has quietly made a case as the most valuable piece nobody saw coming. Blubaugh…
Five or Six? The Astros’ Rotation Decision Has Real Consequences
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Joe Espada has been upfront about wanting to open the season with six starters. The math, however, is starting to complicate that preference. With Josh Hader beginning the year on the injured list, Bryan Abreu slides into the…
Astros Closer Josh Hader to Open 2026 Season on Injured List; Bryan Abreu Expected to Handle Ninth Inning
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…
Astros Closer Josh Hader Begins Bullpen Work with Opening Day in Doubt
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…
Astros Closer Plan: Bryan Abreu Next if Josh Hader Misses Opening Day
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Josh Hader’s status for Opening Day grows more uncertain by the day, and the Houston Astros are quietly preparing contingency plans for a bullpen that looks very different without its All-Star closer. As of Saturday, Hader…
Astros Closer Josh Hader Resumes Throwing After Biceps Tendinitis Setback
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Houston Astros closer Josh Hader resumed throwing Wednesday as pitchers and catchers reported to spring training, easing concerns after a recent offseason injury scare. Hader was diagnosed with biceps tendinitis roughly 10 days…
Astros Closer Josh Hader’s Spring Training Status Uncertain
WEST PALM BEACH, FL—All-Star closer Josh Hader’s availability for the start of the 2026 season remains a question mark as pitchers and catchers prepare to report to spring training this week. Throwing Program Still Ramping Up The 31-year-old left-hander…
Former Astros Closer Ryan Pressly Announces Retirement After 13-Year Career
Ryan Pressly, a two-time All-Star and a key member of the Houston Astros’ 2022 World Series championship team, announced his retirement Saturday following a 13-year Major League career. Pressly, 37, began his career with the Minnesota Twins, pitching six…