Former Milwaukee Brewers closer Josh Hader likely out remainder of 2025 season 1 Jun 9, 2024; Anaheim, California, USA; Houston Astros relief pitcher Josh Hader (71) pitches during the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

Former Milwaukee Brewers closer Josh Hader likely out remainder of 2025 season

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Tyler Koerth_ | Last updated Aug 17, 2025 6:52 AM ET

Former Milwaukee Brewers closer Josh Hader had some incredible seasons with the team. With the organization, he was a three time NL Trevor Hoffman Reliever of the Year award winner, four time All-Star, he is second on the franchise’s all times saves list with 125, and across six seasons he posted a 2.48 ERA.

Through it all, he remained remarkably durable and healthy. The transition from a multi-inning role to focusing solely on ninth-inning save situations may have contributed to that durability, but even so, given the physical demands placed on a pitcher’s arm, it was an impressive accomplishment.

Unfortunately, a recent shoulder injury has changed Hader’s availability and the Houston Astros may be without their closer for the remainder of the 2025 regular season.

Former Milwaukee Brewers closer Josh Hader has a capsular sprain

Brewers fans are all too familiar with capsular injuries in pitchers as Brandon Woodruff recently underwent surgery to repair a torn anterior capsule. In Hader’s case, the injury is being labeled a sprain, but it’s serious enough to shut him down from throwing for three weeks, followed by a gradual ramp-up over the next three. With only six weeks remaining in the regular season, it’s likely that Hader has thrown his last pitch.

“That’s just the reality of it. So you go in for three weeks, that takes you to about the first week of September. So now I still have to get back up, build strength on throwing for two weeks. Now I’ve got to get off the mound, [and] that’s going to be at least another week. So that puts us at another three weeks.”

-Josh Hader told MLB.com in regard to his shoulder injury

The post season remains in play for Josh Hader

Former Milwaukee Brewers closer Josh Hader likely out remainder of 2025 season 2 Jun 5, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros relief pitcher Josh Hader (71) signs autographs before the game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

At this point, there’s a chance Hader could return for the postseason, assuming the Astros get there. Houston is currently clinging to a narrow lead in the AL West, but if they slip in the division race, they’d still be in position for a Wild Card spot as things stand.

Another key assumption is that Hader avoids any setbacks during his rehab process. Capsular injuries are notoriously tricky, and recovery isn’t always straightforward. But with proper rest and a cautious approach now, the hope is that he’ll be ready to return when the spotlight of postseason baseball is at its brightest.

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

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