Astros Get Injury Update on Josh Hader

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Segun Ajayi | Last updated May 28, 2026 10:00 AM ET

Josh Hader is close to returning to action after the veteran reliever continued progressing through his rehab assignment. Astros beat writer Chandler Rome of The Athletic reported that Hader will pitch for Triple-A Sugar Land on Wednesday and Thursday, which should mark the final step before Houston activates him from the 60-day injured list.

Hader has not pitched for the Houston Astros this season because of left biceps tendinitis. Houston placed the star closer on the injured list before Opening Day, and the team has carefully managed his recovery process over the past two months.

General manager Dana Brown recently said the Astros targeted the first week of June for Hader’s return, and his current rehab schedule keeps him on track for that timeline. The 32-year-old began his minor league rehab assignment earlier this month and has shown signs that he remains one of baseball’s top late-inning arms.

Josh Hader will pitch today and tomorrow for Triple-A Sugar Land, which should be the final step before he returns to the active roster.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) May 27, 2026

Hader allowed only one run on four hits and one walk while striking out 11 batters across seven innings in seven rehab appearances entering Wednesday. The dominant rehab outings produced a 1.29 ERA and gave Houston confidence that Hader is close to returning to full strength.

The Astros will likely keep him out for this weekend’s series against the Milwaukee Brewers, but he could return during Houston’s upcoming series against the Pittsburgh Pirates next week. Hader is one of the most accomplished relievers in Major League Baseball.

The six-time All-Star and three-time winner of the National League Reliever of the Year Award converted 28 of 29 save opportunities while posting a 2.08 ERA and striking out 89 batters across 61 appearances last season. Opposing hitters batted only .167 against him during the 2025 season.

JHouston Astros pitcher Josh Hader (71). Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

There is little doubt the Astros have missed his presence at the back of the bullpen throughout the opening months of the season. The team entered Wednesday with a 28-25 record while trying to keep pace in the American League West race. Without Hader, Houston has relied heavily on a committee approach in late innings.

Bryan Abreu stepped into many of the biggest relief situations and entered Wednesday with a 2.91 ERA and 32 strikeouts across 21.2 innings. Still, the Astros built their bullpen around Hader’s ability to dominate the final innings against both left-handed and right-handed hitters.

Hader has consistently ranked among baseball’s elite strikeout pitchers throughout his career. Across 409 Major League appearances, he owns a 2.44 ERA, 197 saves, and 820 strikeouts across 447 innings pitched.

Hader’s return is expected to strengthen a pitching staff that ranks among the better units in the American League.The Astros carried a 3.66 team ERA into Wednesday while continuing to rely on strong bullpen performances to remain competitive.

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

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