Astros fans receive disappointing Josh Hader news that could reshape the bullpen

Not exactly a timeline.

Jordan Campbell

Sep 3, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros relief pitcher Josh Hader looks on from the dugout before the game against the New York Yankees at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images / Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

With each injury update the Houston Astros offer on All-Star closer Josh Hader, it doesn't sound like the team has a clear idea of when he might return to the bullpen. A shoulder strain ended Hader's 2025 season in August, and after experiencing a setback during his offseason program, the veteran closer opened the season on the IL with what the Astros diagnosed as biceps tendonitis.

Throughout spring training, the Astros weren't exactly providing a timeline for when Hader could possibly return. It wasn't until the end of spring training that they acknowledged he wouldn't be ready for Opening Day, and now, general manager Dana Brown is providing a set date for when the 31-year-old could face live hitters.

Speaking with reporters ahead of their Opening Day loss to the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday, Brown suggested that Hader will face live hitters around the middle of April. To clarify, the Astros' general manager is talking about Hader facing hitters at the team's spring training complex, not facing hitters in an actual game of consequence.

Josh Hader injury update leaves Astros fans in familiar guessing game

The timeline for Hader's return is still unclear. Assuming there's no further setbacks and he does actually face live hitters by the middle of April, it would seem that he would need at least a couple of live bullpen sessions before starting a minor-league rehab assignment. From there, considering Hader likely wouldn't pitch on back-to-back days, his rehab assignment would like him take him through the beginning of May at the earliest.

The Astros' 3-0 loss on Thursday didn't exactly give Joe Espada the chance to experiment with his bullpen while having the lead. Bryan Abreu has taken over as Houston's closer while Hader is sidelined, but the rest still may need to be figured out.

When Hader was healthy, the Astros had one of the best bullpens in baseball. Though that reality was mainly tied to the success of Hader and Abreu as a tandem. Once Hader was sidelined last year, there was a clear dip in results.

Ideally, the Astros get Hader back in May, and there's no need to second-guess how the Astros handled his recovery. But until that happens, doubt will remain.

Jordan Campbell

For nearly 15 years, Jordan has been a workhorse across the FanSided network - including being the inaugural site expert for Cubbies Crib, as well as a stop at Da Windy City as the site expert. In addition to returning to be a Co-Site Expert at Cubbies Crib, Jordan was previously the Site Expert at Bear Goggles On. In the years since, Jordan has joined FanSided's full-time team, serving as a staff writer for the MLB division. Jordan's work can be seen across the MLB division, including a consistent presence on our Cubs, Twins, Astros, and Tigers sites. Since 2010, Jordan has dedicated his craft to providing insightful commentary on all things Chicago sports, and he has enjoyed his venture into all things Major League Baseball.