The Houston Astros are going to have to fight it out with the Seattle Mariners for the division title in the last month and a half of the regular season. After having as high as a 10-game lead in the AL West, the Astros and Mariners are now tied for the lead.
Things were beginning to come together after Houston traded for multiple bats before the MLB trade deadline and got starting pitchers Cristian Javier and Spencer Arrighetti back from the injured list.
The momentum was short-lived when closer Josh Hader was placed on the 15-day injured list this week.
Hader, 31, reported that he had shoulder discomfort on Monday, resulting in the closer not being available for the Astros in their 7-6 series-opening win against the Boston Red Sox.
It was revealed that the injury is labeled as a shoulder strain. The Athletic‘s Chandler Rome gave more information on the details behind Hader’s injury. Saying that the six-time All-Star is getting other opinions.
“Josh Hader is seeking a second opinion on his left shoulder strain, manager Joe Espada said. Espada declined any further comment on the situation in order to ‘give Josh his space’ as he seeks the second opinion,” Rome took to X.
Josh Hader is seeking a second opinion on his left shoulder strain, manager Joe Espada said. Espada declined any further comment on the situation in order to “give Josh his space” as he seeks the second opinion.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) August 13, 2025
Houston has been battling injuries all season, and Espada mentioned that the injury to Hader is like a “punch in the gut,” MLB.com‘s Brian McTaggart reported.
This is the second injury in the last month in which an Astros player will seek a second opinion. Third baseman Isaac Paredes was placed on the injured list on July 20 after straining his hamstring. After receiving another opinion, he chose to go through rehab in hopes of a return this season.
Houston will be without their closing pitcher in Hader, for a significant amount of time. A more specific injury timeline will come out in the coming days.
