Injuries are an inevitable part of baseball, especially when it comes to pitchers. The Houston Astros are feeling this reality as they kick off the 2026 season with a notable absence. Josh Hader, a crucial component of their pitching staff, starts the year on the Injured List.
Reflecting on last season, injuries were a significant hurdle for the Astros. Health issues were a key factor in their struggle to make the playoffs. It's tough to secure wins without a full roster of healthy pitchers ready to take the mound.
Despite the challenges, the Astros' bullpen had its bright spots last year. Bryan Abreu consistently locked down the eighth inning, while Hader expertly handled the ninth.
Lefties Steven Okert and Bryan King also contributed significantly, but it was the dynamic duo of Hader and Abreu that truly shortened games for the Astros. However, Hader's season was cut short in August due to a shoulder injury.
This offseason, Hader's rehab seemed promising until a setback with biceps soreness during Spring Training. Although he's back on the mound, there's simply not enough time for him to be ready by Opening Day.
With Abreu likely stepping into the closer role, the question becomes how the bullpen will adjust. The shift could impact Okert and King, both left-handers, and their roles in earlier innings. Newcomers Kai-Wei Teng and Nate Pearson might also find opportunities to shine in late-game situations, offering potential value.
While Hader's injury is far from ideal, the silver lining is his positive progress in recovery, suggesting his absence might not be long-term. The Astros will need to adapt quickly, but there's hope that their bullpen can weather the storm until Hader's return.