Josh Hader: Everything you need to know

Hader walked one and struck out one in a scoreless and hitless inning to earn the save in Wednesday's 11-9 win over the Pirates. Hader missed more than two months due to left biceps tendinitis. This was his season debut, and he was able to convert the save while throwing 17 pitches (11 strikes). Hader's 2025 campaign was interrupted by a left shoulder strain, preventing him from earning his sixth 30-save campaign. He'll likely fall short of that mark again in 2026 due to the time he's already missed, but he looks ready to take full control of the closing duties for the Astros.

The Astros activated Hader (biceps) from the 60-day injured list Tuesday. Hader is ready to go after missing the first two months of the season with left biceps tendinitis. He was also shelved down the stretch of last season with a left shoulder strain, though the issues are considered unrelated. Hader posted a 4.15 ERA and 11:3 K:BB over 8.2 innings on a rehab assignment and displayed diminished velocity, averaging just 92.9 mph with his four-seamer in his last rehab appearance. The southpaw should move back into the Houston closer role even if he's unable to rediscover the pep on his heater, though Hader might be eased into high-leverage situations.

Astros manager Joe Espada said on SportsTalk720 in Houston that Hader (biceps) will be activated from the 60-day injured list prior to Tuesday's game against the Pirates, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports. Hader has been sidelined all season due to left biceps tendinitis, but he's been cleared for activation after posting a 4.15 ERA and 11:3 K:BB over 8.2 innings on a rehab assignment. The lefty averaged only 92.9 mph with his four-seamer during his final rehab appearance, which is down significantly from the 95.5 mph he averaged last season for Houston. It's possible Hader is able to get his velocity back up to par once he pitches in major-league games, but it's something to keep a close eye on as he returns to the Astros' closer role. Houston might give Hader a few low-leverage outings before throwing him back into the ninth inning.