Despite an MVP-type performance from Yordan Alvarez to open the season, the Houston Astros are struggling in 2026. Injuries have crushed the team, as multiple members of both its starting rotation and lineup have already missed significant time.
But there’s good news on the horizon, as All-Star closer Josh Hader is ready to return. Astros manager Joe Espada confirmed Hader would be activated ahead of Tuesday night’s game vs. the Pittsburgh Pirates during a radio interview early Tuesday.
The team hinted at that possibility Monday, when it announced pitcher Logan Vanwey was sent down to Triple-A. But instead of immediately announcing Vanwey’s replacement, the team said it would “announce a corresponding move [Tuesday].”
With the move, Hader, 32, will immediately regain the closer’s role. That shouldn’t come as a surprise. When healthy, Hader has been one of the most accomplished closers in the game. He’s made six All-Star teams and won three NL reliever of the year awards.
Up until late last season, injuries weren’t an issue for the lefty. Prior to last August, Hader had missed time in the regular season only once in his career, when he was diagnosed with COVID-19 in 2021.
But the reliever sustained a left shoulder issue last August, causing him to miss the Astros’ final 46 games of the year. Hader was prepping to return in 2026, but experienced a left biceps issue during an offseason bullpen, causing him to miss the start of the regular season.
With Hader sidelined, the Astros have gone 27-34 to open the season.
Hader is far from the only significant injury that team has dealt with in 2026. Ronel Blanco, Hunter Brown, Cristian Javier and Lance McCullers Jr. — all rotation candidates — are currently sidelined with injuries. In the lineup, starters Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa and Yainer Diaz are all on the injured list.
Hader’s addition will undoubtedly improve the club — which has posted a 5.16 ERA from its relievers this season — though he won’t solve all of the team’s issues. The Astros still have a lot of work to do if the team wants to emerge from the American League West, but getting Hader back is a start, and the team could definitely use some positive injury news right now.