When it comes to injuries, the Houston Astros can’t seem to get a break.
13 players—including star outfielder Yordan Alvarez—were on the injured list entering last night’s game vs. the Boston Red Sox. Now, All-Star closer Josh Hader is awaiting test results due to shoulder discomfort, per MLB.com’s Brian McTaggart. He wasn’t available for last night’s game.
“He walked in today and he was doing his [plyometrics] before doing his throwing program and just did not feel right,” Astros manager Joe Espada said, per McTaggart. “We went ahead and got some testing done, and we’re waiting on the results and should know something more tomorrow.”
Hader last pitched against the Yankees on Friday, when he threw a season-high 36 pitches in two innings. He warmed up toward the end of Sunday’s game but never took the mound.
The lefty pitcher is one of the best closers in the league, boasting a 2.05 ERA over 48 games this year. Per McTaggart, he set a club record this season by converting his first 25 save chances. Hader ranked second in saves among American League relievers entering yesterday.
The news comes just after Houston offered a positive update on another star. Alvarez, who’s been on the injured list since May 5 with right hand inflammation, was reported to take on-field batting practice on Saturday for the first time, per the club.
The Astros weren’t able to acquire a reliever at the Trade Deadline, but they signed Enyel De Los Santos to a Major League contract last week. He made his debut on Monday and threw a scoreless inning.
Houston currently sits atop the American League West at 67-52, just 1.0 game ahead of the surging Seattle Mariners.