The Houston Astros couldn’t have scripted a much better start to their season at home. Winning five of their first seven games, including a sweep of the Boston Red Sox, the early momentum has put them in a strong position heading into their first road trip.
Josh Hader | Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
But as they leave Houston for Sacramento, there’s a notable absence casting a shadow over that success.
Closer Josh Hader, one of the most important pieces of the Astros bullpen, remains sidelined with left biceps tendinitis. Instead of traveling with the team, he stayed back in Houston to focus on treatment and recovery work—a cautious but necessary decision early in the season.
Still, the latest update from Hader is giving the organization—and its fans—real reason for optimism.
During a recent bullpen session, Hader reported something unexpected: he touched 90 MPH. That might not sound remarkable at first glance, but for Hader, it represents a meaningful step forward.
Josh Hader | Rhona Wise-Imagn Images
In his own words, that kind of velocity typically doesn’t show up in his bullpen sessions—even when he’s fully healthy.
That detail alone suggests his recovery may be progressing better than anticipated.
Speaking at a local charity event, Hader emphasized that his focus remains on building strength and refining his mechanics rather than rushing back to game action. He has multiple bullpen sessions lined up, and each one is an opportunity to get closer to full form.
More importantly, he made it clear that this process is about long-term readiness, not short-term urgency.
Houston understands what’s at stake.
Without Hader anchoring the ninth inning, the Astros have been forced into a committee approach to close games. Bryan Abreu is expected to handle the bulk of those opportunities, but early returns show a mix of contributors. Bryan King and Cody Bolton have already recorded saves, highlighting the team’s flexibility—but also its temporary instability in high-leverage moments.
So far, the situation hasn’t derailed Houston’s momentum. Only a handful of their early wins have required a save, allowing the bullpen to manage without a defined closer.
But over the course of a full season, that margin disappears.
That’s why the Astros are taking a measured approach with Hader. The goal isn’t simply to get him back—it’s to ensure that when he returns, he stays available for the long haul.
Hader himself made that point clear. Avoiding setbacks is the priority, especially with ambitions that stretch deep into October. He wants to be on the mound not just for the regular season grind, but for a potential postseason push.
After missing the playoffs last year, Houston’s expectations have shifted back toward contention. And while their early record suggests they’re on the right track, the path forward becomes much clearer with a fully healthy Hader at the back end.
For now, the signs are encouraging.
And if that surprising bullpen velocity is any indication, the Astros may be getting their closer back sooner—and stronger—than expected.
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