Astros Get Concerning Josh Hader News After Red Sox Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt Wadleigh | Last updated Aug 12, 2025 12:44 AM ET

The Houston Astros defeated the Boston Red Sox on Monday, 7-6, to stay on top of the American League West with the Seattle Mariners right on their tails.

It was a big game with Red Sox slugger Alex Bregman making his return to Houston, and although Bregman had two hits and a home run, the Astros came out with the victory.

Unfortunately, Houston was dealt some concerning injury news after the game.

In the ninth inning, Astros closer Josh Hader was nowhere to be seen, and manager Joe Spada revealed why in the postgame press conference.

Astros Concerned After Hader Injury News

On Monday, Hader reported to the stadium and was dealing with shoulder discomfort, Espada told reporters.

"Josh {Hader} he came in today and there was some shoulder discomfort, so we are getting some tests done, that's why he was unavailable today," Espada said. "He just did not feel right, so we went ahead and got some testing done. We're waiting on those results."

Astros All-Star closer Josh Hader has shoulder discomfort, Joe Espada said.
He had tests done Monday. pic.twitter.com/FZD4iwouUu
— Jose de Jesus Ortiz (@OrtizKicks) August 12, 2025

That's not entirely promising for the Astros, especially with the way Hader has pitched and the fact they are neck-and-neck with the Mariners for the AL West lead.

He has a 6-2 record with a 2.05 ERA and 28 saves on the year. In total, Hader has thrown 52.2 innings across 48 games and he has just one blown save all year, a vast improvement from 2024 when he had four blown saves and a 3.80 ERA.

Who Steps Up if Hader Misses Time?

Hader has been steady as can be for the Astros, but missing the game with shoulder discomfort could be a bad sign.

While nothing will be done until the test results come in, the Astros are sure hoping it isn't anything serious.

If he does miss time, the immediate solution would likely be Bennett Sousa, who is the only Astros pitcher with more than one save this year (three saves).

Sousa also recorded the final out on Monday, although Enyel De Los Santos pitched the final out of the eighth inning and had the first two outs in the ninth before Sousa faced Roman Anthony.

For now, the Astros await the results for the closer.

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

More must-reads: