Astros place Hader on IL with shoulder strain

The Houston Astros placed star closer Josh Hader on the 15-day injured list with a left shoulder strain, they announced Tuesday.

Manager Joe Espada told reporters that the severity of the strain remains unknown, and it's too early to establish a timeline for his potential return.

"A punch in the gut," Espada said, according to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. "He's seeing doctors right now, we're getting more tests done, and hopefully it's just not gonna be a long-term thing."

Hader was unavailable to close out Monday's win over the Boston Red Sox after experiencing shoulder discomfort. Espada said postgame that Hader "just did not feel right" after working out, prompting the team to send the six-time All-Star for testing.

The 31-year-old has been enjoying another stellar season anchoring Houston's bullpen. Hader owns a 2.05 ERA, 0.85 WHIP, and 28 saves along with a 13.0 K/9 rate and 16 walks over 52 2/3 innings this year. He's allowed multiple earned runs in just two of his 48 appearances in 2025.

This is the first time in his nine-year career that Hader's been placed on the IL with a significant injury.

Bryan Abreu, Bennett Sousa, and Steven Okert are among the potential options to take over ninth-inning duties in Hader's absence.

Houston recalled left-hander Colton Gordon from Triple-A Sugar Land in a corresponding roster move. The team also reinstated right-hander Shawn Dubin from the IL and designated veteran reliever Héctor Neris for assignment.