Astros All-Star closer Josh Hader (biceps) to open season on IL

Houston Astros All-Star closer Josh Hader will begin the 2026 season on the injured list due to biceps tendinitis in his left pitching arm, manager Joe Espada said Wednesday.

Hader's biceps injury was diagnosed early last month. It is not related to the left shoulder capsule strain that caused him to miss the last two months of the 2025 season.

Hader, who turns 32 on April 7, threw his first bullpen session of spring training on Tuesday and is expected to throw a few more before facing live hitters.

"How he felt yesterday throwing is a good indication that we are going in the right direction and that's all we are looking for right now," Espada said.

Right-hander Bryan Abreu will fill in as the closer while Hader is sidelined.

Hader went 6-2 with 28 saves and a 2.05 ERA in 48 appearances last season. He struck out 76 in 52 2/3 innings and his last outing came on Aug. 8.

Hader has 62 saves in two seasons with the Astros. Overall, he has 227 in nine big league campaigns with the Milwaukee Brewers (2017-22), San Diego Padres (2022-23) and Houston.

A six-time All-Star, Hader is 34-31 with a 2.64 ERA in 468 career relief outings.

Last season, Abreu, 28, was 3-4 with seven saves and a 2.28 ERA in 70 relief appearances.

--Field Level Media