The Houston Astros could be in trouble with their latest injury news. It was revealed on Tuesday that their closer, Josh Hader, had been placed on the 15-day IL due to a left shoulder strain. In a corresponding move, the club reinstated RHP Colton Gordon from Triple-A. Houston also reinstated RHP Shawn Dubin while also opening up a roster spot by designating Hector Neris for assignment.
With Hader down, many fans are wondering who will close games for the Astros. Manager Joe Espada has yet to announce a new closer in Hader's place, and he and the front office have been strongly urged to stay away from former World Series closer Ryan Pressly via Jordan Campbell.
"Holding an alarmingly low strikeout rate just over 15%, an expected ERA of 4.99, and a FIP of 5.02, there's nothing about Pressly's current profile that would suggest he is capable of being a high-leverage relief pitcher for the Astros again."
Pressly was recently released by the Chicago Cubs after struggling to find his form. He appeared in 44 games, putting together a career-low 4.35 ERA over 41.1 innings of work. He is far from the high-leverage arm that helped Houston win a World Series back in 2022.
While the Astros need an arm to close out games, reuniting with Pressly may not be all that glamorous. Outside of Houston, the Minnesota Twins have been linked as an interested team. He also has not ruled out retiring altogether if he cannot come to terms with a team of his liking.