The Houston Astros were hit with another crucial injury heading into the final months of the regular season last week, placing closer Josh Hader on the 15-day injured list with a left shoulder sprain.
Reports believe that Hader is likely to miss the rest of the Astros' regular season. The injury occurred at an inconvenient time, as Houston continues to solidify its top spot in the AL West, and the Seattle Mariners are making a run for their money.
Hader was on pace to have another great season for the Astros. In 48 appearances in 2025, he finished with a 6-2 record, 2.05 ERA, 0.85 WHIP, 28 saves, and struck out 76 batters in 52.2 innings.
Insider says Josh Hader's 'not going to be stupid' in rehab
Although Hader has been shut down from throwing for the next three weeks, according to MLB.com's Brian McTaggart, there are more questions to be asked for the All-Star closer and his status for a potential postseason return.
Could he return for the postseason? Is he willing to risk a long-term injury to get back on the mound this season? Are all of these things something that the Astros are willing to do?
The Athletic's Chandler Rome spoke on Crush City Territory on Monday, and he broke down what's expected from the Astros and Josh Hader as he looks to recover from the shoulder strain.
"He's (Josh Hader) not going to be stupid, Rome said. "He's gotta think about what the future is — these next three years under contract. They've invested a lot of money in him. He's a guy that wants to make a return on that investment. Sometimes that means you've gotta sacrifice a short-term goal for the greater good. That's the vibe I got from him."
Josh Hader should make sure he is 100% before he returns to the mound for the benefit of the Astros. pic.twitter.com/BBUmddRyTH
— Crush City Territory (@Crush_City_Pod) August 18, 2025
Hader's status for the rest of 2025 is uncertain, and he may miss a postseason run if it means returning to full health.