Astros Announce Josh Hader News Before Rangers Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Josh Valdez | Last updated Sep 15, 2025 2:28 PM ET

The Houston Astros couldn't be in a more high-stress situation with two weeks left in the season. Not only are they just two games ahead of the Texas Rangers for the third and final AL wild card spot, but their star closer is injured.

Josh Hader (6-2, 2.05 ERA) is on the 15-day IL with a shoulder ailment and will likely miss the rest of the regular season, via MLB.com’s Brian McTaggart. The left-hander hasn’t pitched since August 8.

Despite his missed time, Hader is still eighth in baseball with 28 saves out of 29 chances. The 31-year-old also has a 0.85 WHIP and a 4.8 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

Additionally, Hader is being recognized for his character and off-the-field work. The Astros made an announcement about the veteran before their bout against the Rangers on Monday, via their social media.

“Greatness on and off the field. Congratulations to Josh Hader on being named the Houston Astros nominee for the 2025 Roberto Clemente Award!” they said.

Each MLB team annually nominates a player for the award, via the league’s website.

“The Roberto Clemente Award is bestowed annually to the player who best represents the game of Baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, both on and off the field,” the site’s description reads.

Clemente was a Hall of Fame outfielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates who died in a plane crash on Dec. 31, 1972, while en route to deliver aid for earthquake victims in Nicaragua.

Greatness on and off the field.

Congratulations to Josh Hader on being named the Houston Astros nominee for the 2025 @MLB Roberto Clemente Award!

Vote Hader at https://t.co/NKeJ4Zy82F pic.twitter.com/21BIfMbbDb
— Houston Astros (@astros) September 15, 2025

Josh Hader Sets Example With Community Work

Hader and his wife Maria have done several charity events. One was a toy drive in December for at-risk kids or ones under Child Protective Services in Houston, via Houston Public Media. Another one in June was called “Uncork for a Cause,” when the hurler signed bottles of charity wine to support organizations like BEAR and Covenant House, which serve at-risk youth, via MLB.com.

Starting Monday through Sept. 28, fans can vote for the winner of the Roberto Clemente award, per the league website.

The Astros will host the Rangers at 8:10 p.m. ET on Monday night. Right-hander Jason Alexander (4-1, 4.19 ERA) will start on the mound for Houston against fellow right-hander Jack Leiter (9-8, 3.81 ERA).

After the Rangers series, the Astros will host the Seattle Mariners before ending the regular season on the road against the Athletics and Los Angeles Angels.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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