Josh Hader: Everything you need to know

Astros general manager Dana Brown said Sunday that Hader (biceps) is in line to return from the 60-day injured list in the first week of June, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. Hader has thus far looked sharp through his first six rehab appearances between Double-A Corpus Christi and Triple-A Sugar Land, covering six innings and striking out nine batters while giving up one earned run on four hits and no walks. Brown said that the left-hander is scheduled to pitch for Corpus Christi again on Sunday, then will require two more tune-up outings in the minors before getting cleared to return from the IL. Assuming Hader checks out fine from a performance and velocity standpoint during his upcoming appearances, he'll likely slide back into the closer role for Houston immediately upon being activated.

Astros manager Joe Espada said Saturday that Hader (biceps) will log at least five more rehab appearances before he's activated from the 60-day injured list, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports. Hader has so far made four rehab appearances -- two with Double-A Corpus Christi and two with Triple-A Sugar Land -- combining to allow three hits and post a 6:1 K:BB over four scoreless innings. With five more minor-league outings to go, the veteran reliever isn't expected to come off the IL when first eligible May 24, though Espada didn't clarify when Hader is slated to be back. Bryan King has been working as Houston's closer of late in Hader's stead.

Hader (biceps) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Sugar Land on Tuesday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports. Hader has been facing live hitters for the past couple of weeks while working his way back from left biceps tendinitis, and he's now ready to begin testing his arm in a competitive setting. The 32-year-old reliever was moved to the 60-day IL in April, so he will have plenty of opportunities to ramp up in the minors before becoming eligible to rejoin the Astros on May 24. Tatsuya Imai (arm) and Nate Pearson (elbow) are scheduled to pitch for Sugar Land on Tuesday as well.