Astros closer Josh Hader makes first spring training bullpen session, Opening Day readiness uncertain

As the calendar nears mid-March and Opening Day is just over two weeks away, Houston Astros closer Josh Hader has not faced live batters in spring training this year, making his readiness for the season opener uncertain.

Hader missed the last two months of last season with a left shoulder capsule strain. At camp opening, he said he was “a few weeks behind” due to biceps tendinitis diagnosed in early February. Hader threw his first bullpen session of spring training today and reported it went well.

“I found a little rhythm on the mound, felt good,” Hader said. “The body felt coordinated.”

Hader threw about 15 pitches, all fastballs, with pitching coaches Josh Miller and Ethan Katz closely observing. Houston GM Dana Brown also watched attentively.

“The ball came out easy,” Miller said. “This was his first normal bullpen in a while; he’s been holding back, but he looked good.”

Astros manager Joe Espada said Hader’s velocity reached 87 mph, but given this was his first bullpen in six weeks, the coaching staff asked him to keep it between 81 and 84 mph.

“He said he felt really good,” Espada said. “We’ll see how he responds tomorrow. I think tomorrow will tell us where he goes next.”

This raises the key question: Can Hader be ready for Opening Day?

Based on the timeline, it seems unlikely. If progress continues smoothly, he still needs one or two more bullpen sessions before facing live hitters in batting practice, then entering actual games near the end of spring training. Time is running short.

When asked about the March 26 season opener against the Angels, Hader said he can only take it day by day. Miller also declined to provide a timeline.

“I don’t want to speculate on that,” Miller said. “He needs some adjustment time, at least a few more bullpens and facing some hitters. Spring training is nearing its end; I don’t know how likely it is, but it’s not my decision yet.”

If Hader starts the season on the injured list, the Astros might move setup man Bryan Abreu to the closer role, as they did late last season. The team added enough pitching depth this winter to handle injuries. New additions Ryan Weiss, Peter Lambert, and Kai-Wei Teng have performed well this spring and could serve as multi-inning relievers, but the Astros’ strongest form is with Hader in the ninth inning.

Hader recorded 28 saves for the Astros last year and earned his sixth All-Star selection. He felt left shoulder discomfort during training at Minute Maid Park in August and went on the 15-day injured list. After pitching two innings against the New York Yankees on August 8, his 2025 season ended early.

He completed injury rehab in November, having thrown up to 87 mph before resting. He resumed throwing in January, with bullpen velocities between 85–87 mph and no capsule issues. During his fourth bullpen session, he felt biceps tightness while throwing a changeup.

Hader was named AL Reliever of the Month in June last year, posting a 4–1 record, 1.98 ERA, converting all 14 save opportunities, allowing only six hits, one walk, striking out 22, with a 0.51 WHIP, .128 opponent batting average, and 14.49 strikeouts per nine innings. He began the season with 25 consecutive saves, setting a franchise record.