The Houston Astros received mixed injury updates regarding their bullpen as spring training continues. While there was encouraging progress for Enyel De Los Santos, the timeline for star closer Josh Hader remains unclear heading toward Opening Day.
De Los Santos moving closer to return
Astros manager Joe Espada shared a positive update regarding De Los Santos, revealing that the right-hander is scheduled to throw his first bullpen session on Wednesday after dealing with a knee issue earlier in camp.
If the session goes well, De Los Santos should still have enough time to build up before the start of the regular season.
The reliever joined Houston late in the 2025 season and showed signs that the Astros’ pitching staff may have unlocked something in his arsenal. During his brief stint with the club, he improved his strikeout rate while cutting down on walks, raising hopes that he could develop into a reliable high-leverage option in 2026.
A healthy ramp-up through the remainder of spring training would likely keep him on track for the Opening Day roster.
Hader’s recovery still uncertain
The situation is far less clear with Josh Hader, who continues to recover from the shoulder strain he suffered last August.
Espada indicated that Hader could throw a bullpen session next week, but that update still leaves plenty of uncertainty about his readiness for the start of the season.
While the possibility of a bullpen session is a positive step, the Astros have not provided a firm timetable for his return to full game action.
When healthy, Hader remains one of the most dominant closers in baseball, making his status crucial for Houston’s bullpen stability.
More pitching concerns emerging
Houston also received another minor setback in camp. Right-hander Nate Pearson, who had been throwing bullpen sessions, will have his throwing program slowed due to elbow soreness.
Although injuries are common during spring training, Astros fans remain cautious after watching the 2025 season derailed by constant pitching injuries across both the rotation and bullpen.
Astros hoping for bullpen stability
The Astros made several offseason moves focused on building pitching depth rather than relying on a few elite arms. That strategy could prove important if Hader’s recovery extends into the regular season.
Still, Houston will ultimately need its star closer healthy to compete at the highest level.
While De Los Santos appears on track to return, the Astros will be watching closely over the next few weeks to see if Hader can progress quickly enough to be ready for Opening Day. ⚾
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