Astros to activate closer Josh Hader from IL

Field Level Media|published: Tue 2nd June, 14:43 2026

Sep 3, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros relief pitcher Josh Hader looks on from the dugout before the game against the New York Yankees at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

The Houston Astros will activate closer Josh Hader from the 60-day injured list on Tuesday, manager Joe Espada said on a local radio broadcast.

The veteran left-hander is expected to be available for the opener of a three-game series Tuesday night against the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates.

The Astros already opened the roster spot for him, sending right-hander Logan VanWey to Triple-A Sugar Land on Sunday night.

Hader, 32, has not pitched in the majors since last Aug. 8, when he was sidelined because of a capsule strain in his pitching shoulder. He finished the 2025 season with a 6-2 record, 2.05 ERA, 28 saves and just one blown save.

A biceps injury suffered in an offseason workout has kept him out of the 2026 season thus far.

The six-time All-Star is 34-31 with a 2.64 ERA and 227 saves in nine seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers (2017-22), San Diego Padres (2022-23) and Astros.

The Astros' bullpen has struggled this season without him.

Houston relievers have a combined record of 5-12 and a 5.16 ERA, both ranking 29th in MLB. They have appeared in all 61 games for the Astros (27-34), who are in fourth place in the American League West.

--Field Level Media

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