Astros closer Josh Hader is behind schedule in camp after imaging revealed biceps inflammation a couple weeks ago, manager Joe Espada told the team’s beat as camp opened this morning (link via Chandler Rome of The Athletic). Espada added that Hader has already been resting for the past 10 days or so and is scheduled to resume throwing from flat ground today. Hader himself told reporters that he felt “pretty good” after his brief shutdown (video via MLB.com’s Brian McTaggart). He acknowledged being a “probably a few weeks behind” due to the minor setback. Hader didn’t rule out Opening Day but also declined to put a firm timetable on his rehab.
The 31-year-old lefty (32 in April) is entering the third season of a five-year, $95MM contract in 2026. Hader enjoyed a decent first season in Houston and a dominant second campaign; overall, he’s pitched to a 3.06 earned run average while striking out a colossal 37.4% of opponents against a roughly average 8.5% walk rate. He’s picked up 62 saves along the way. Bryan Abreu would be the top candidate for saves early in the season if Hader were to miss time.
Elsewhere in the Houston bullpen, righty Enyel De Los Santos is current shut down from throwing for a couple days due to a strain in his right knee (via McTaggart). The 30-year-old De Los Santos was a nice bargain addition in August. Houston signed the well-traveled righty to a big league deal after he was cut loose in Atlanta. He went on to pitch 22 1/3 innings as an Astro, working to a 4.03 ERA with far more encouraging rate stats (26.4 K%, 6.6 BB%). He was dinged for five home runs in that time — an average of 2.01 per nine frames — which continued a worrying trend from the 2024 season. However, the long ball wasn’t an issue for him in Atlanta, and De Los Santos yielded just 0.53 HR/9 from 2022-23 in Cleveland. He’s playing out his final season of club control on a $1.6MM salary.
Espada also announced to reporters this morning that catcher Yainer Diaz suffered a foot sprain on a slide into second base during the Dominican Winter League season (video via McTaggart). The injury took place back in December, and Diaz immediately flew to Houston for a diagnosis and to begin treatment. He’s catching bullpens, swinging the bat and throwing as normal, though he’s on what Espada described as a “modified” running program while the foot is in its final stages of mending. There’s no indication that Diaz will miss time to begin the season or even be hobbled early during exhibition play, but it’s still something to keep an eye on; Houston has reportedly already been poking around the market for a backup catcher.
In broader terms, the Astros remain active in both the free agent and trade markets. They’ve reportedly been seeking a left-handed-hitting outfielder as part of the return in any trade talks surrounding infielder Isaac Paredes, who remains available for clubs looking to add some thump at the infield corners and/or at designated hitter. General manager Dana Brown suggested today that trade talks have slowed down in general since camp opened but stated that Houston remains open to roster changes throughout the course of spring training (via Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle).
In addition to seeking a backup catcher, looking for a lefty-hitting outfielder, and exploring trade scenarios for Paredes and pricey first baseman Christian Walker, the Astros have spent much of the offseason listening to interest in center fielder Jake Meyers.
When reading this, I have to keep in mind that the Astros are NOTORIOUS for down playing injury status. This could be a case where Hader is definitely not well and they’re just not saying it.
I’m wondering the same about Paredes which is making me less inclined to want the Pirates to work out a trade for him.
Funny how several teams always downplay injuries. Angels are notorious for doing this. The joke is always “player suffers minor injury” followed by “season ending Tommy John required.”
I mean my Jays just revealed some hard truths…
Astros acquire:
Nick Castellanos OF/1B (1/$20M)
Jose Alvarado LHP (1/$9M)
Keaton Anthony 1B (#14)
Gabriel Rincones Jr. OF (#8)
Phillies acquire:
Josh Hader LHP (3/$57M)
Lance McCullers Jr. RHP (1$/17M)
Jake Meyers CF (1/$3M)
That is the blockbuster that these 2 teams should’ve pulled off, helps both clubs accomplish offseason goals. Astros get under budget and add some much needed prospects, Phillies add the SP depth they need with Wheeler unavailable for opening day. Also get a 4th OF’er that can handle all 3 spots and form a deadly duo for back of the bullpen. Logical trade partner for Casty too.
Bwahahahaha.
What is the Astros’ budget?
There are a lot of lefty outfielders, especially corner OF, out there who can play. I suspect the reason why they haven’t traded for one yet is the Paredes thing is a fake, and they really want to keep him and trade Walker. But good luck without covering most of his salary.
Romero of the Cardonals is obvious. But he is for other clubs eg Dbacks.,
Can’t see him making it to Cards spring training
I know and I HOPE it DOESN’T happen but Jasson Dominguez for Paredes would’ve made a lot of sense for both teams. Obviously it won’t because Yanks won’t acquire him just to be platoon guy with McMahon and Rice but he would fill the need for a RH that can play 1B and 3B off the bench. It should never happen though. I still think JD can be an all star level player. I just hope the Yanks will give him time and get the best out of him.
Paredes is a much better hitter than McMahon, if the Yankees did that, he would start 70% of the time at third over McMahon, but I don’t see that trade happening
Myself Hader is concerning. Abreu was not great last season in the closing department. When Hader was out and more. Abreu came close to blowing games, and had to have back up come in. Some cases he blew them and someone had to save him from the loss.
Do I think Paredes is gone unsure, Meyers could be but what happens who knows with camps now open. I do not trust Brown or Espada as far as I can throw them
I hope well the off season after this season. Both are gone. I am sorry but compared to other managers and GM’s and former Houston had they fail.