Imagine your favorite baseball team’s star closer sidelined by injury—just as the season is about to kick off. That’s the reality for Houston Astros fans as Josh Hader, the six-time All-Star left-hander, works his way back from biceps tendinitis. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is the team moving too cautiously with Hader, or are they making the right call to ensure their bullpen ace is fully healthy for the long haul? Let’s dive in.
On Friday, Hader was back on the field playing catch in West Palm Beach, Florida, a positive sign after his offseason setback. The 31-year-old closer, who missed the end of last season with a shoulder capsule strain, had temporarily paused throwing after experiencing discomfort during bullpen sessions. Astros manager Joe Espada assured fans that Hader is “trending in the right direction” and emphasized the team’s patience in his recovery. “We have plenty of time to get him back on the field,” Espada said, highlighting Hader’s critical role in the team’s success.
Hader’s 2025 season was nothing short of impressive: a 6-2 record, 28 saves, and a stellar 2.05 ERA across 48 appearances. His last outing—a two-inning performance against the New York Yankees on August 8—came just before the Astros missed the playoffs for the first time in nine years. And this is the part most people miss: Hader’s absence wasn’t just a blow to the bullpen; it was a glaring reminder of how much the team relies on his dominance in high-pressure situations.
During the start of spring training, Hader admitted to reporters that he’s “a few weeks behind” due to the tendinitis, describing it as a minor setback. He first noticed the issue while throwing a changeup during his fourth offseason bullpen session. However, the good news? His shoulder, which caused trouble last season, hasn’t been a problem since he resumed throwing. “He feels pretty good,” general manager Dana Brown confirmed, adding that the team is focused on gradually building him back up.
Here’s the bold question: Are the Astros taking too much of a risk by relying on Hader’s self-assessment, or is their cautious approach the smart play? After all, rushing a player of his caliber could lead to further injuries—but leaving him on the bench too long might cost them early-season wins. What do you think? Is the team handling Hader’s recovery the right way, or should they be more aggressive in getting him game-ready? Let us know in the comments!
